You can renew your Illinois license online, by mail, or in person — the method depends on how long it has been expired and what type of license you hold

If your Illinois driver's license has expired, you are not legally allowed to drive. However, renewal is straightforward in most cases. Illinois lets you renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions, license suspensions, or address changes. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have restrictions or suspensions on your record, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office can be done the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within five years, you have no suspensions or medical restrictions, and your address has not changed.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your expired license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you have any restrictions or suspensions.
  • The renewal fee in Illinois is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license, and you can choose which length you want.
  • You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The fastest way to renew is through the Illinois Secretary of State website. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, log into your account or create one, and follow the renewal steps. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and your expired license number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions to verify your identity.

Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license. You pay by debit or credit card during the process. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you cannot legally drive — you do not receive a temporary permit or digital license.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have any active suspensions or revocations, if you have medical restrictions on your license, or if you need to change your address. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal with a paper form

You can renew by mail if your license expired within five years and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no suspensions, no medical restrictions, and no address change. read form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request it by mail.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your expired license and a check or money order for $30 (four-year) or $95 (10-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a document that proves your current address if it differs from what is on your expired license — a utility bill or lease works. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your packet.

Keep a copy of the form and your check number for your records. If your renewal does not arrive within four weeks, call the Secretary of State to check the status.

In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have any suspensions or revocations on your record, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your address. Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the office locator to find the Secretary of State facility nearest you. Many locations allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time.

Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card — $30 for four years or $95 for 10 years.

You will have your new license the same day. The facility will take your photo and process your renewal on site. Bring all documents in original form — copies are not accepted.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired Illinois license is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine of $100 to $500 depending on how long it has been expired. A citation also goes on your driving record.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the penalty is higher — up to $1,000 and possible suspension of your driving privileges. If you are in an accident while driving with an expired license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you have submitted a renewal request but have not yet received your new license, you are still not legally permitted to drive. Do not assume that submitting a renewal means you can drive while you wait.

Renewing a license that expired during military service

If you were on active duty in the U.S. military when your Illinois license expired, you may be able to renew without penalty even if it has been expired for more than five years. You must provide proof of your military service — a military ID, discharge papers, or a letter from your commanding officer.

Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 before you visit a facility or submit a renewal request. Explain that your license expired while you were on active duty, and ask what documents you need to bring. The office can often waive the requirement for in-person renewal in these cases.

Choosing between a four-year and 10-year license

When you renew, you choose how long your new license is valid. A four-year license costs $30; a 10-year license costs $95. The 10-year license is more convenient because you renew less often, but it costs more upfront. If you are in your 60s or older, you can get a four-year license at no cost — you only pay if you choose the 10-year option.

Your choice does not affect what you can do with your license — both are standard driver's licenses with the same legal weight. The only difference is how often you need to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?

No. Illinois does not issue temporary licenses or digital licenses while you wait for your renewed license to arrive by mail. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive when ready, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to send in?

You can still renew. If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to send in your expired license — you just need your license number, which you can find on old documents, insurance cards, or by calling the Secretary of State. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff that you lost your license and bring your other documents as usual.

Do I have to renew in person if my address changed?

Yes. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot update your address through online or mail renewal. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.

How long does it take to renew in person?

If you have an appointment, expect 15 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, wait times vary widely depending on the facility and time of day — some locations have waits of one to two hours during busy times. Scheduling an appointment online before you go saves significant time.

What if my license has been suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Secretary of State to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com for information about your specific case. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew.