What You Need to Renew Your Illinois ID in Person or by Mail
Illinois offers two paths to renew your ID card: in person at a Secretary of State facility, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster and works for nearly everyone. The mail route takes longer but requires no office visit and works only if your ID is not expired by more than five years, you have no address changes to make, and your name and date of birth match state records exactly.
Both routes require the same core documents: your current Illinois ID card, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing by mail, you will also need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee—the Secretary of State does not accept credit cards for mail renewals.
The renewal fee for a standard ID card is $20 for a four-year card. If you want an eight-year card instead, the fee is $40. You can choose either option regardless of which path you take, though the eight-year card is not available for applicants under 18.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and produces your new card on the same day.
- Mail renewal takes two to four weeks and works only if your ID expired fewer than five years ago and you have no address or name changes.
- You must bring your current ID card and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) to renew in person.
- The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year card or $40 for an eight-year card, paid by cash or card in person, or by check or money order by mail.
- If your ID has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the mail route and must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a Secretary of State Office
Walk-in service is available at all Secretary of State Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are typically shorter than afternoons or weekends. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website.
Bring your current Illinois ID card, proof of your current address, and payment. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Have your documents ready before you reach the counter—staff will verify your identity, take a new photo (unless you request to keep your current photo), and print your new card on site. You will walk out with your renewed ID the same day.
If your address has changed, you can update it during your in-person renewal at no extra cost. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will process the name change as part of your renewal.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, your current ID must not be expired by more than five years. Your name and date of birth must match what the Secretary of State has on file. You cannot have any address changes to make. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person instead.
Complete the ID Renewal by Mail form (available on the Secretary of State website) and mail it with your current ID card, proof of your current address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form—it is different from the office address.
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your packet. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need your ID sooner, you cannot use the mail route; you must renew in person instead. There is no way to expedite a mail renewal.
What Happens If Your ID Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
You cannot renew by mail if your ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person. Bring proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of your current address. You will pay the standard renewal fee and receive a new card the same day.
If your ID was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police or the Secretary of State, depending on your situation. This is not required to renew, but it creates a record if the old card is used fraudulently. Ask the office staff whether they recommend filing a report in your case.
Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal
If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, tell the staff at the counter. They will update your address at no extra cost as part of your renewal. Bring your proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the legal document proving the change. The office will process the name change during your renewal. There is no extra fee for a name change during renewal, but you must do it in person—the mail route does not allow name changes.
If you are renewing by mail and your address or name has changed, you cannot use the mail route. You must renew in person instead at a Secretary of State office.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
| Renewal Type | Card Duration | Fee | Processing Time | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In person | 4 years | $20 | Same day | Cash, debit, credit card |
| In person | 8 years | $40 | Same day | Cash, debit, credit card |
| By mail | 4 years | $20 | 2–4 weeks | Check or money order |
| By mail | 8 years | $40 | 2–4 weeks | Check or money order |
The eight-year card option is not available to anyone under 18. Applicants under 18 must renew with a four-year card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash by mail. The Secretary of State will not process your renewal if you include cash, and you will not be reimbursed. Use a check or money order only.
Do not try to renew by mail if your ID expired more than five years ago. The mail route will be rejected, and you will have wasted time. Renew in person instead.
Do not forget your proof of address. Without it, the office cannot complete your renewal, and you will have to return another day. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is required.
Do not assume your photo will stay the same. The office will take a new photo during your in-person renewal unless you specifically ask to keep your current photo. If you want to keep your current photo, ask the staff before they take a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois ID online?
No. Illinois does not offer online ID renewal. You must renew either in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. There is no third option.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease for proof of address?
A bank statement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and current address. If you have none of these, ask the office staff what other documents they will accept before you visit.
How long does my new Illinois ID take to arrive if I renew by mail?
The Secretary of State typically processes mail renewals within two to four weeks from the date they receive your packet. Delivery time after that depends on the postal service. Plan for four to six weeks total from the date you mail your packet.
Can I renew my ID if it expired more than five years ago?
You can renew in person at any Secretary of State office. The five-year limit applies only to mail renewal. Bring your expired ID, proof of your current address, and payment.
Do I need an appointment to renew my ID in person?
No. All Secretary of State Driver Services offices accept walk-ins. You can check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you visit, but an appointment is not required or available.