The fastest way to renew in Illinois

You can renew your Illinois driver's license in three ways: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a facility is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is available if your license expired less than one year ago and your address hasn't changed.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee.
  • In-person renewal at any Driver Services facility gives you a new license the same day, but you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
  • The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
  • You can find your nearest Driver Services facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You'll need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, you're done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit a facility or mail anything in. This option works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical holds or address changes to report.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, you'll need to fill out the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 44) and mail it with your current license and payment. You can read the form from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail.

Mail your completed process, current license, and check or money order (made payable to Secretary of State) to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Include a note with your phone number so they can contact you if there's a problem. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

If you need your license right away or are not may be able to access for online renewal, visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois. You'll receive your new license the same day you explore. Bring your current driver's license, one form of proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.

You can find the nearest facility and check current wait times on cyberdriveillinois.com. Many facilities are busier on Saturdays and at the end of the month, so visiting on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online first. Check your location's policy before you go.

What documents and fees you'll need

For any renewal method, you'll need to pay either $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. The longer license is valid longer but costs more upfront. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of your current address. If you're mailing in your renewal, include your current license with the process and payment.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal won't work. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) if you're renewing in person. If you're mailing in your renewal, include a note with your new address so they update their records.

When your license is expired by more than one year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test or answer medical history questions, depending on how long your license has been expired.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, the Secretary of State may require you to retake the written test or road test. Call 217-782-6900 before you visit to find out what tests, if any, you'll need to take. This prevents a wasted trip to the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or take certain medications?

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility so a staff member can review your medical history. Bring any documentation your doctor has provided about your condition and current medications.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring proof of residency and payment. You'll need to report your license as lost, and staff will issue a replacement with a new number at the same time.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You'll receive your new license the same day you explore at a Driver Services facility. The license is printed on-site before you leave. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but you can check expected wait times on the Secretary of State website before you visit.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Illinois, you cannot renew an Illinois license. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about their requirements.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Staff will update your name and issue a new license.