How to renew your Illinois driver's license
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $30. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a facility in person or mail in your documents, which takes longer but works if you have a valid reason (such as a name change or vision correction update).
Illinois lets you renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can walk out with it the same day if you renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Mail-in renewal is an option, but it is slower than online or in-person and requires you to send original documents by post.
- Your renewed license will be valid for four years if you are under 69, or two years if you are 69 or older.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
The Secretary of State's online renewal system is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You go to cyberdriveillinois.com, log in or create an account, and complete the renewal form in about 10 minutes. You will pay $30 by credit card or debit card, and your new license ships to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had a name change since your last renewal, if you need to update your address, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 69 (vision tests are required at that age). If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.
Before you start, have your current license and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, so the process may take a few extra minutes if you have not used the system before.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility to renew in person. You will walk out with your new license the same day, which is useful if your current license is about to expire or if you need it for travel. The process takes about 30 minutes, depending on how busy the facility is.
Bring your current Illinois driver's license, one document that proves your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $30 in cash, check, or card. If you have had a name change since your last renewal, also bring a certified copy of the document that proves it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You can find the nearest facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State website. Many facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours. If you are 69 or older, you will take a vision test at the facility as part of your renewal.
Mail-in renewal
Mail-in renewal is slower than online or in-person, but it works if you cannot visit a facility or use the online system. You request a renewal form from the Secretary of State, fill it out, and mail it back with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $30.
The whole process takes 4 to 6 weeks because your documents travel by mail both ways. You will not have your new license until it arrives in the mail, so this option is not practical if your current license is about to expire. Request the form by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or by visiting a facility in person.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead of renewing — this requires a vision test, a written test, and a road test, depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
Contact the Secretary of State or visit a facility to find out whether you need to test. If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic ticket, so renew or explore as soon as you can.
License validity and renewal timing
Your renewed Illinois driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 69 years old. If you are 69 or older, your license is valid for two years, and you must renew in person and pass a vision test each time.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The Secretary of State will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for it — you can start the renewal process whenever you want after the one-year window opens. Renewing early means you will not risk driving with an expired license.
Fees and payment methods
Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30. Online and mail-in renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards.
There are no additional fees for standard renewal. If you need to update your address, change your name, or correct other information on your license, those changes are included in the renewal fee — you do not pay extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State before you can renew. Contact the Driver Services Division at 217-782-6900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
You cannot update your address through online renewal. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $30.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave with your new license the same day. If you need your license quickly, renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Do I need a vision test to renew my license?
Only if you are 69 or older. Drivers under 69 do not take a vision test during renewal. If you are 69 or older, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, and the vision test is part of the renewal process.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
You can still renew online or by mail if you have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have your license number, visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring an ID that shows your name and date of birth (a passport, state ID, or birth certificate). The facility can look up your number and process your renewal.