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 in three ways: online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a facility is when ready if you need your license the same day.
Your may be able to access depends on when your license expires, whether you have changed your name or address, and whether you have any violations or suspensions on your record. Most people can renew online, but some must visit a facility in person. The Secretary of State website will tell you which method works for you before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com is available if your license is not suspended, you have no recent address changes, and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form DL 44 and a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services facility gives you a new license on the same day, though wait times vary by location.
- Your renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and does not change based on your age or driving record.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted by the Secretary of State.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. 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 card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license term — four years for $30 or eight years for $60.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test, or if you renewed online within the past 8 years. The website will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you will be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete the online form and pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewal, you must do that in person or by mail first — you cannot change your address during online renewal.
Mail renewal using form DL 44
read or request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and the address where you want your new license mailed. Include a check or money order for $30 (four-year license) or $60 (eight-year license) made payable to "Secretary of State."
Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. If you are changing your name or address, include a copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill dated within the past 60 days.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you are not may be able to access for online renewal or prefer not to use the website. You will not receive a confirmation that your form arrived, so keep a copy for your records.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You do not need an appointment. Bring payment in cash, check, or card — $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
The facility will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and weekday visits are usually faster than afternoons and weekends. If you are changing your address or name, bring the document that proves the change.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test, or if you have not renewed in more than 8 years. It is also the only option if you need your license the same day.
What happens if your license is 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 is suspended or revoked and what you must do to lift it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, or DUI convictions.
To check your suspension or revocation status, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Check Your Driving Record." Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through any of the three methods. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check before you attempt to renew — the online system will reject your renewal if a suspension is active.
Renewing with a name or address change
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal will not allow a name change. Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The document must be an official copy with a seal or certification mark.
If you have changed your address, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your current address before you pay. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on form DL 44. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member at the facility and they will update your address during the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license if it has already expired?
Yes. You can renew an expired license online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to pass a vision test and take a written exam. Contact the Secretary of State or visit a facility to confirm what is required for your situation.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Driver Services facility instead — you will receive it the same day.
What if I move out of state after I renew my Illinois license?
Your Illinois license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. If you move to another state and want a license there, you will need to follow that state's process. You do not need to cancel your Illinois license.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
It depends on the amount and type of violation. Some unpaid fines result in a suspension that blocks renewal. Check your driving record at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to see whether you have an active suspension before you attempt to renew.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, the Secretary of State will use your photo from your current license unless you request a new one. To request a new photo by mail, include a note with your form DL 44.