Illinois license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it has been since you last renewed

Illinois offers three renewal paths. If you are under 69 and your license is not suspended, you can renew online through the Secretary of State website for $30 and receive your new license by mail in about two weeks. If you prefer not to go online or your license has been suspended, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver Services facility in person. The method you choose depends on whether you need your license urgently and whether you have had any violations or status changes since your last renewal.

Your Illinois license is valid for four years if you are under 69, and one year if you are 69 or older. You can begin renewing up to six months before your expiration date. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website costs $30 and takes about two weeks; you must be under 69 and have no suspension or revocation on your record.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (DL 44), and payment to the address on the form; processing takes four to six weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility takes one to two hours and costs $30; you will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted and you have met all requirements, which may include paying fines or completing a defensive driving course.
  • Drivers 69 and older must renew in person every year and may be required to pass a vision test.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, click "Driver License Services," and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The fee is $30. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you renew online, or your license will go to your old address. You cannot change your address during the online renewal process itself. If you need to change your address, do that first by visiting a Driver Services facility or calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if you are 69 or older, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have an outstanding warrant, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. You are also not may be able to access if you have changed your name since your last renewal and have not updated it with the Secretary of State.

Mail renewal with form DL 44

To renew by mail, request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900, or read it from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $30 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not arrive in time. You can check the status of your process by calling 217-782-6900 and providing your driver's license number.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a facility in person or do not want to renew online. However, if you need your license quickly — for example, if you are traveling soon — in-person renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

Visit any Driver Services facility with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Proof of legal presence can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The fee is $30, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Processing takes one to two hours depending on how busy the facility is. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will arrive within two weeks.

Find a Driver Services facility near you by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and using the facility locator. Facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours, as some facilities have reduced hours or temporary closures.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations.

To find out why your license is suspended, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the "Check Your Driving Record" tool. Once you know the reason, you will need to take specific steps to clear it. For unpaid fines, you must pay the court. For failure to appear, you must contact the court and resolve the case. For child support, you must contact the Illinois Department of Human Services. For points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course.

After you have resolved the suspension, you can renew your license using any of the three methods above. The Secretary of State will confirm that your suspension has been lifted before processing your renewal.

Renewal for drivers 69 and older

If you are 69 or older, your license is valid for one year instead of four years, and you must renew in person every year. You cannot renew online or by mail. You will need your current license, proof of residency, proof of legal presence, and proof of your age (such as a birth certificate).

When you renew in person, you may be required to pass a vision test. The vision requirement is 20/40 in each eye with or without correction, and you must have a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees. If you do not meet the vision standard, the Secretary of State may restrict your license or deny renewal.

Visit a Driver Services facility during business hours. The fee is $30. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have a confirmation number from online renewal or a temporary paper license from in-person renewal. Keep the confirmation email or temporary license with you while you drive.

If you let your license expire without renewing, you are driving without a valid license, which is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine and points on your driving record. To restore your license after it has expired for more than 12 months, you must take a written test and a driving test in addition to renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine or a failure to appear in court, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until you resolve it. If the ticket is paid or you have a court date scheduled, you can renew. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check your status before you attempt to renew.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Illinois license?

You should get a license in your new state. However, if you still live in Illinois and are renewing, update your address with the Secretary of State before you renew. If you have already moved and no longer live in Illinois, you are not required to renew your Illinois license.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check the status.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Driver Services facility?

Most facilities do not require appointments, but some do. Check cyberdriveillinois.com or call the facility directly to confirm. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary. Going early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

If you renew online, you cannot change your name during the renewal process. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you renew by mail, include the certified copy with your process.