Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and when it expires
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a Secretary of State office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew online in minutes without leaving home. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need a Real ID, you must go in person.
The Illinois Secretary of State handles all renewals. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method if you're renewing online or by mail. The renewal fee is $30 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expires within the next 12 months and you don't need a Real ID.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but you must request the form from the Secretary of State first.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to update your photo.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- Illinois does not mail renewal notices, so check your license expiration date yourself to avoid driving on an expired license.
Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses
The online renewal system at cyberdriveillinois.com is the quickest way to renew if your license is still valid or expires within the next 12 months. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies your identity and shows you the renewal fee.
Online renewal works only if you don't need to change your photo, address, or name. If any of those details have changed, you must renew in person. You also cannot use online renewal if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
After you pay the fee by debit card or credit card, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required
To renew by mail, you must first request a renewal form from the Illinois Secretary of State. You can call 217-782-6900 or visit a Secretary of State office in person to ask for the form. Once you receive it, fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form. This method works for standard driver's licenses but not for Real ID, CDL, or licenses that have been expired for more than a year. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the envelope receipt if you mail it. If your renewal doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State to confirm they received it.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a Real ID, if you want to update your photo, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing a Real ID, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two forms of ID.
Wait times at Secretary of State offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. Your new license is usually issued the same day you explore.
Real ID renewal: required for federal travel after May 2025
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Illinois Real IDs have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star, you'll need to renew in person and request a Real ID.
To get a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and two forms of ID that show your current address. A Real ID costs the same as a standard license renewal—$30 for five years or $60 for eight years.
You cannot renew a Real ID online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. If you don't need a Real ID and your current license is not expired, you can continue using it for driving within Illinois and for state identification purposes.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you've moved or changed your name, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and, if you've changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.
You cannot update your address or name online or by mail. The in-person renewal process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal, and your new license will reflect the updated information.
What happens if your license expires
Driving on an expired license in Illinois is illegal, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be ticketed. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail—you must go to a Secretary of State office in person and may face additional requirements.
Illinois does not send renewal reminders by mail or email. Check your license expiration date yourself and plan to renew at least a few weeks before it expires. You can renew up to one year in advance, so there's no reason to wait until the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but the method depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than a year ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office and may need to provide additional documents.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for standard delivery. In-person renewals are usually issued the same day. If you need your license quickly, renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than eight years old, you must renew in person.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If you lost your license, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Contact a Secretary of State office for a replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity and pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the Secretary of State. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.