How Illinois driver's license renewal works
In Illinois, you renew your driver's license through the Secretary of State's office. The process depends on whether you renew in person at a facility, by mail, or online — and which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.
Most Illinois drivers can renew online or by mail without visiting a facility, which is faster and costs less. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need a new photo, you will have to renew in person. The Secretary of State's website lets you check which renewal method works for your situation before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired by more than a year and who do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than one year ago.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license has been expired for over a year, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions.
- Your Illinois driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and the Secretary of State sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the Secretary of State's website is the quickest path if you are may be able to access. You log in, verify your information, pay the fee, and your renewed license is mailed to you. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you do not have to leave home.
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If your license expired less than a year ago, you may still be able to renew online — check the Secretary of State's website to confirm your may be able to access before you start. The online renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license.
After you complete online renewal, your new license arrives by mail in about one to two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.
Mail renewal: lower cost, longer wait
Mail renewal costs $20 for a four-year license — $10 less than online renewal — but takes longer. You fill out the renewal form, include copies of required documents, and mail everything to the Secretary of State. Processing takes about two to three weeks after they receive your packet.
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired by more than one year and you do not need a new photo. The Secretary of State provides the renewal form on their website; you can also call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. You will need to include a copy of your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
Mail your completed packet to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Your new license arrives by mail after processing is complete.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test or other evaluation. In-person renewal also costs $30 for a four-year license.
Visit the Secretary of State's website to find a facility near you and check current wait times. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed renewal form (available on the website or at the facility).
At the facility, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision screening, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is usually ready to pick up within a few days, though some facilities issue it on the spot. You can drive with your old license until you receive your new one.
What documents you need for any renewal method
Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you will need three things: your current Illinois driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency in Illinois.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing online, you will enter this information into the form rather than mailing physical copies. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for in-person renewal, though they are acceptable by mail.
Timeline and expiration dates
Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. The Secretary of State mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that notice in the mail. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can start the process as soon as you receive the notice.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it — but your options narrow. Expired licenses can be renewed online or by mail only if they expired less than one year ago. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are waiting for your renewed license to arrive, keep your old license with you as proof that you have renewed.
Fees and payment methods
Illinois driver's license renewal fees depend on the method you choose. Online renewal costs $30, mail renewal costs $20, and in-person renewal costs $30. All fees are for a four-year license.
For online renewal, you pay by credit card or debit card during the process. For mail renewal, you can include a check or money order with your packet — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most facilities accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though payment methods vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license if I moved out of state?
No. To renew an Illinois license, you must be a resident of Illinois. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's licensing authority for their requirements.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof that you have renewed — such as your renewal confirmation or the old license with a renewal notice. Start your renewal as soon as you receive the notice to avoid this situation.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks, and mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the Secretary of State receives your packet. Delivery time depends on postal service speed. If you need your license quickly, in-person renewal may be faster since some facilities issue licenses on the spot.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. You can renew online or by mail without a new photo if your current license photo is still acceptable. If you want a new photo, or if your current photo is damaged or no longer looks like you, you must renew in person. The Secretary of State's website lets you check whether you need a new photo before you start.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The facility will issue a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.