Renewing Your Illinois License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through three routes: online at sos.illinois.gov, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Online renewal is the fastest and most common path — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $30, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and also costs $30. In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.
Which route you can use depends on your current license status and when it expires. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person. If your license is still valid and not expiring within 30 days, you can also renew early online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at sos.illinois.gov is available if your license expired within the last 12 months or is expiring within 30 days, and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility with your expired license and proof of residency.
- Mail renewal is an option if your license expired within 12 months; send your completed form DL 44 and payment to the address on the form, and allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility costs $30 and takes about 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is open to drivers whose license expired within the last 12 months or will expire within the next 30 days. You do not need to visit a facility or mail anything. Go to sos.illinois.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts.
You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $30 renewal fee. The system will verify your identity using information on file. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on your current license. If you have moved, update your address before you renew, or your new license will go to your old home.
Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner — for travel or a job — you cannot speed up online renewal; you must renew in person instead.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last 12 months. Request form DL 44 from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900, or read it from sos.illinois.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your expired license and a check or money order for $30 to the address printed on the form.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your new license is mailed to the address on your current license. If you have moved, include a note with your new address, or update your address online before mailing your renewal.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to a facility. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case questions arise during processing.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Facility
You must renew in person if your license expired more than 12 months ago. You can also choose in-person renewal if you need your license the same day. Bring your expired Illinois driver's license and one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Find your nearest Driver Services facility at sos.illinois.gov and check its hours. Many facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid long waits. You will complete a form, have your photo taken, and pay $30. Your new license is printed on the spot.
In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the facility is. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return, if you cannot provide it from memory.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than a Year Ago
If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, online and mail renewal are not available. You must go to a Driver Services facility in person with your expired license and proof of your current address. The renewal process is the same as for a current license — you pay $30, have your photo taken, and receive your new license when ready.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have renewed it. Do not delay if your license is overdue. If you have moved out of state and your Illinois license has expired, you may still renew it by mail or in person if you return to Illinois, or you can contact the Secretary of State to discuss your options.
Address Changes and License Updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before or during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address as part of the process. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form or in a separate note. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and tell the staff member at the counter.
If you need to change your name, correct an error on your license, or update other information beyond your address, you may need to explore for a replacement license rather than renew. Contact a Driver Services facility or call 217-782-6900 to confirm what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license if I moved out of state?
If you no longer live in Illinois, you should transfer your license to your new state rather than renew it in Illinois. However, if you still have an Illinois address on file or plan to keep an Illinois license, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired within 12 months. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 if your situation is unusual.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot bring it to the facility?
Bring a photo ID and proof of your address instead. The staff member can look up your license information in the system. If you cannot provide any ID, you may need to explore for a duplicate license first, which requires additional documents.
How much does it cost to renew in Illinois?
Renewal costs $30, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee for a four-year renewal. Some drivers may be charged differently based on age or license type; ask at the facility if you have questions about your fee.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online if your license will expire within 30 days. You cannot renew more than 30 days in advance through online or mail renewal, but you can renew in person at any time before expiration.
What if my renewal is rejected online?
The system will tell you why — usually a mismatch in your personal information or a problem with your payment. Try again with your information double-checked, or call 217-782-6900 to troubleshoot. If online renewal does not work, you can renew by mail or in person instead.