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. Most people renew online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past four years, and your address on file is current.

If you cannot renew online—because of a suspension, a recent move, or a name change—you must renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time both ways.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website is the fastest option and works if your license is in good standing and your address is current.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If you have a suspension, revocation, or recent address change, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail.
  • Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
  • Illinois driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is available at cyberdriveillinois.com under the "Driver Services" section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity using this information and then ask you to confirm your address and vision requirements.

Once you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process, but if your address change is recent, the system may require you to renew in person instead.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

In-person renewal is necessary if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had a major violation in the past four years, if your name has changed, or if you cannot renew online for any other reason. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Secretary of State facilities are located throughout Illinois. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the cyberdriveillinois.com website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip. The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit a Secretary of State office. You will need to request a renewal process by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com to read the form. Complete the process and mail it with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and copies of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address.

Mail your completed process to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail after that. During this time, your current license remains valid. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to visit a Secretary of State office in person, pass a vision test, and provide the same documents as a first-time applicant. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so renewing on time avoids this extra step.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may also be required to retake the written test and road test, depending on how long it has been expired. Check with your local Secretary of State office for the specific requirements in your situation.

Understanding license types and renewal length

Illinois offers two renewal periods: a four-year license for $30 and an eight-year license for $60. When you renew, you can choose which length you prefer. Your license expires on your birthday, and the renewal period you choose determines when your next renewal will be due.

If you hold a REAL ID-compliant license, your renewal will also be REAL ID-compliant as long as you do not change your address or legal name. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not have a REAL ID license and want one, you must renew in person and bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you know you will be busy around your birthday or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush.

What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?

If your move was recent, you may not be able to renew online. You will need to renew in person at a Secretary of State office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. You can also update your address in person at the same time.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Illinois license?

No. When you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken at the Secretary of State office.

What if my Social Security number or legal name has changed?

If either has changed, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new Social Security number or legal name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your address.