How to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

Renewing your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State without visiting an office if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address or name. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $5 less than renewing in person. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew at a Driver Services facility.

Illinois sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you have already started the renewal process. The state does not mail new licenses to you automatically — you must initiate the renewal yourself.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through sos.illinois.gov takes 10 minutes, costs $85, and works only if your license is not suspended and you are not changing your address or name.
Mail renewal costs $90 and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you must include a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility costs $90 and requires a Real ID-compliant document if you plan to use your license for federal travel after May 7, 2025.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.
If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit a facility in person.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

Go to sos.illinois.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" under the Driver Services section. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information on file with the state.

Online renewal costs $85 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your address, name, or other information online — if any of those details are wrong, you must renew in person or by mail.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license; or if you are under 21 years old. The system will tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements.

Mail renewal with a paper process

read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from sos.illinois.gov or pick one up at any Driver Services facility. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $90 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the state to return your old license. If you do not include one, the state will destroy it after processing.

Mail renewal works for most situations, including address changes and name changes. However, if your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, the state will reject your process and return it with a notice to visit a facility in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. In-person renewal costs $90 and takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the facility is.

You must renew in person if your license is suspended; if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your license; if you are changing your name or address and want to update your license at the same time; or if you are under 21 years old. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options.

If you plan to use your driver's license for federal travel (boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or boarding a cruise ship) after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant document. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers along with proof of residency. The facility will verify these documents and issue a Real ID-compliant license at no extra cost.

Finding a Driver Services facility and checking wait times

The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities in most Illinois counties. Use the facility locator at sos.illinois.gov to find the office nearest you, see current wait times, and check hours of operation. Some facilities are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.

You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most facilities, but some locations offer appointment scheduling through the website. If your local facility has a long wait time, you can visit a different one in a nearby county — the state does not require you to renew at a specific location.

What happens if your license expires before renewal is complete

If you submit an online or mail renewal and your license expires before the new one arrives, you are still legally allowed to drive while the renewal is being processed. Carry proof that you have submitted your renewal — a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process — along with your expired license.

If a police officer stops you, show both documents. Most officers will not cite you for an expired license if you can prove renewal is in progress. However, this protection is not may provide in every situation, so try to renew at least two weeks before your expiration date.

Renewing early and understanding expiration dates

You can renew your Illinois driver's license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to may support they have a Real ID-compliant license before the May 7, 2025 important date. Early renewal does not extend your license expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from your current expiration date, not five years from the renewal date.

Illinois driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on the card. For example, if your license says it expires on 03/15/2027, it is valid until 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2027. You cannot legally drive after that date unless you have already submitted a renewal process and have proof of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You must contact the Secretary of State to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to lift the suspension before you can renew. Suspended licenses cannot be renewed online, by mail, or at a facility. Visit sos.illinois.gov or call the Driver Services hotline to learn about your suspension status.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

You do not need a Real ID to renew your license, but if you want to use your license for federal travel after May 7, 2025, you must get one. Real ID is a security standard for domestic flights and federal buildings. You can request a Real ID-compliant license during any renewal — in person, by mail, or online — by providing a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.

How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. Processing time can be longer during busy periods. If you need your license sooner, renew online (7 to 10 business days) or in person (same day).

What if I move to a different address before my renewal arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services before you move and update your address on file. If your new license is already in the mail, you can request it be forwarded to your new address. Call the Driver Services hotline or visit sos.illinois.gov to update your address and track your renewal status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.