Renewing Your Illinois License: The Basic Path
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Most people renew online through the iBenefits portal — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $30, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have not had certain violations, and your address on file is current.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in a renewal process or visit a Secretary of State office in person. The mail route takes longer but works if you prefer not to go to an office. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your license expires. It includes your renewal code, which you will need for online renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you just need your driver's license number and other identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through iBenefits is the fastest option for most people and takes about 15 minutes from your computer or phone.
- You must renew before your license expires; an expired license cannot be used for identification or driving, even if you have already started the renewal process.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a standard four-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card during online renewal.
- If you have moved, changed your name, or had certain traffic violations, you may need to renew in person at a Secretary of State office instead of online.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on file in the Secretary of State system, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online Renewal Through iBenefits
Online renewal is available through the Illinois Secretary of State's iBenefits portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your driver's license number, the renewal code from your renewal notice (if you received one), and a valid debit or credit card to pay the $30 fee. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations, or if you have certain moving violations on your record. You also cannot renew online if your name or address has changed — those changes require an in-person visit or a mail-in process with supporting documents.
After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pick up a temporary paper license at a Secretary of State office while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Mail-In Renewal
To renew by mail, you need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43), which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by phone. Include your renewal notice if you received one, sign the process, and mail it with a check or money order for $30 to the address listed on the form.
Mail-in renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you are moving soon, use your new address on the process so your license arrives at the right place.
Mail-in renewal is a good option if you do not have internet access, prefer not to use a credit or debit card online, or need to include documents with your process (such as proof of a name change). Keep a copy of your process and your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.
In-Person Renewal at a Secretary of State Office
You can renew in person at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, pay the $30 renewal fee by cash, check, or card, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your new plastic license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Visit the Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. If you cannot get an appointment soon and your license is about to expire, you can still walk in — you may wait longer, but you will be served.
What Happens If Your License Expires Before It Arrives
If your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can use the temporary paper license you received at the office (if you renewed in person) or request one by visiting a Secretary of State office. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal form of identification and proof that you can drive.
If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, visit a Secretary of State office to pick up a temporary license. Bring your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your mailing receipt (if you renewed by mail). Do not drive with an expired license — even if your renewal is in progress, an expired license is not valid.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through iBenefits, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. When you renew, your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person or by mail with a certified copy of the document showing the change. In-person renewal is faster if you need the name change completed quickly.
If you have had a suspension, revocation, or certain traffic violations, you may not be able to renew through the normal process. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services division at 217-782-6900 to find out whether you can renew and which method you must use.
Renewal Fees and Payment
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $30. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by cash, check, or card for in-person renewal. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order.
Some people may be charged a different fee based on their license type or circumstances. For example, a commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more. If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, there may be additional fees. Check your renewal notice or contact the Secretary of State to confirm the exact amount you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will need to have your photo taken again and pass a vision test.
What if I do not have my renewal notice?
You do not need your renewal notice to renew. For online renewal, use your driver's license number instead of the renewal code. For mail-in or in-person renewal, bring your current license and the other required documents. If you lost your renewal notice and want to find your renewal code, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery by standard mail. In-person renewal is fastest — you get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask about expedited mail options at the Secretary of State office.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have unpaid traffic tickets or outstanding child support obligations. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. The office staff can tell you what you need to do to clear the hold on your license before you can renew.
What if my address on file is wrong and I do not know what it is?
Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services division at 217-782-6900 or visit a Secretary of State office in person. Staff can look up your current address on file and help you update it before you renew. If you renew before updating your address, your new license will be mailed to the old address.