How to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

Renewing your Illinois license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Illinois driver's license through three routes: online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Online renewal is fastest — it takes about 10 business days — and costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a facility takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot.

You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and only if you have not changed your name, address, or vision status since your last renewal. If any of those explore, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago — at that point, Illinois treats it as a new process rather than a renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes about 10 business days, costs $30 for four years or $95 for eight years, and requires a valid credit or debit card.
You can only renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name, address, or vision status.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and uses the same form (DL 44) you would use in person, but you must include a copy of your current license and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility gives you a temporary license when ready and takes about 30 minutes, but you must bring your current license and proof of residency.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must start over with a new process and a written test.

Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com

Start at cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to review and update your information — address, phone number, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You cannot change your name or address through this route; if either has changed, you must renew in person.

After you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not receive a temporary license online, so if you need to drive before the new one arrives, you should print the confirmation page and carry it with your current license. The entire process takes about 10 business days from payment to delivery, though mail delivery time varies by location.

Mail renewal using form DL 44

Mail renewal works only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal — your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name or address, and your license has not been expired for more than five years. read or request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Secretary of State."

Send the packet to the address listed on the form — currently the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive during the renewal period. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility

You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have changed your name or address; if your vision has changed; or if your license expired more than five years ago. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most facilities.

Find your nearest Secretary of State facility at cyberdriveillinois.com and check its hours before you go — not all locations are open every day. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while the state mails your permanent license. Your new license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through any route until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. You must resolve the underlying issue first — pay the ticket, resolve the child support matter, or complete the required steps for a DUI conviction — and then contact the Secretary of State to confirm the suspension has been removed.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved, such as a receipt showing payment or a court document. The facility staff can verify the suspension status in their system before you complete the renewal. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check.

Renewing a license that expired more than five years ago

If your Illinois license has been expired for more than five years, the state no longer treats it as a renewal. Instead, you must start over with a new process. You will need to pass a written test and a vision test, and you may need to pass a driving test depending on how long it has been since your license was active. You must also bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Schedule an appointment at a Secretary of State facility through cyberdriveillinois.com or by calling 217-782-6900. Bring the required documents and arrive early — the written test takes about 20 minutes, and the vision test takes about 5 minutes. If you pass both, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal: $30 for four years or $95 for eight years.

Real ID compliance and renewal

Illinois Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you renew your license, you can choose to renew as a standard license or upgrade to Real ID. If you want Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document) in addition to your normal renewal documents.

Real ID renewal costs the same as standard renewal — $30 for four years or $95 for eight years. If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you request otherwise. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring the citizenship document. Real ID is not required for driving, but it is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

No. Unpaid traffic tickets can trigger a license suspension, and you cannot renew a suspended license. You must pay the ticket first, then contact the Secretary of State to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you renew. Call 217-782-6900 to check your status.

What if I move to a different state before my new license arrives?

Contact the Illinois Secretary of State when ready at 217-782-6900 and provide your new address. They can remail your license to your new state. You may also want to start the renewal process in your new state to avoid delays, since your Illinois license will still be valid for a short time after you move.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required at most Illinois Secretary of State facilities, but you can schedule one through cyberdriveillinois.com to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the facility's hours before you go.

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

No. You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it in person at a Secretary of State facility. Your permanent license should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.

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.