Renewing Your Illinois License: Online, By Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the iBenefits portal if their license hasn't expired and they don't need a new photograph — the whole process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online; you must go in person or by mail. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment. The in-person appointment takes about 30 minutes at a Secretary of State facility, and you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through iBenefits works only if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo; it costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years.
- If your license has expired, you must renew by mail or in person — online renewal is not an option.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment; appointments can be scheduled online.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires the same documents as in-person renewal, plus a completed process form.
- Your new license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after your appointment or process is processed.
Online Renewal Through iBenefits
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have a Social Security number on file with the state, and you don't need a new photograph. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Go to iBenefits.illinois.gov, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Driver License." Follow the prompts to confirm your information, choose your renewal length (four or eight years), and pay the fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need a new photograph — because you want a different look or your current photo is more than eight years old — you cannot use online renewal. You'll need to renew in person instead.
In-Person Renewal at a Secretary of State Facility
Renewing in person is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photograph, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. You'll need to schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State website; walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been less than five years since expiration), proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, and payment in cash, debit, or credit card.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you've moved recently and don't have a document dated within 90 days, bring two documents showing your address, even if one is older. The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, some Secretary of State facilities offer a rush service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
Mail Renewal for Expired or Lapsed Licenses
You can renew by mail if your license expired less than five years ago. Request the renewal process form from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900 or by visiting a local facility. Complete the form, include a copy of your current or expired license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail your packet to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete. If your license expired more than five years ago, mail renewal is not an option — you'll need to renew in person.
Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods
Illinois offers two renewal periods: four years and eight years. A four-year renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60. Both are available whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Choose the length that works best for your situation — the eight-year option costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years.
If you're over 81 years old, your license is valid for only four years and cannot be renewed for eight years. If you're renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may have additional requirements or fees; contact the Secretary of State to confirm before you begin the process.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so prioritize scheduling an in-person appointment or mailing your process as soon as possible.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and road test again, not just renewing. Contact the Secretary of State or visit a facility to learn what steps you need to take.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you've moved, you can update your address during online renewal, by mail, or in person. For online renewal, your new address will be entered as part of the process. For mail or in-person renewal, provide your new address on the process form or tell the staff member at the facility.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you'll need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?
No. Online renewal is only for valid (non-expired) licenses. If your license has expired, you must renew by mail or in person. If it expired less than five years ago, both options are still available to you.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal, in-person appointment, or mail process is processed. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary license to use when ready.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 90 days?
Bring two documents showing your address, even if one is older than 90 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance documents. The Secretary of State staff can tell you if your combination of documents will work.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you choose to. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Your photo is also updated automatically if your license was issued more than eight years ago.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard renewal process. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.