Illinois driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

An Illinois driver's license costs between $20 and $30 for a standard five-year license, or between $40 and $60 for a 10-year license. The exact amount depends on whether you are renewing an existing license, getting your first license, or replacing a lost or damaged one. Real ID-compliant licenses cost $2 more than standard licenses. If you are under 21, the fee is lower — currently $5 for a five-year license or $10 for a 10-year license.

The Illinois Secretary of State's office sets these fees and updates them periodically. You pay at the time you explore, whether you explore in person at a Driver Services facility or through the mail for a renewal. If you are renewing online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, the fee is the same as in-person renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Illinois driver's license costs $20 to $30, and a 10-year license costs $40 to $60, depending on whether it is a new license or a renewal.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses add $2 to the standard fee but are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering military bases.
  • Drivers under 21 pay significantly less: $5 for five years or $10 for 10 years.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost the same as a renewal but may have additional processing time.
  • You can renew by mail or online for the same fee as in-person renewal, though not all transaction types are available through every method.

What you pay for a new license versus a renewal

A new driver's license — one you are getting for the first time — costs the same as a renewal in Illinois. Both are charged at the standard five-year or 10-year rate. The difference is in what documents you bring and how long the process takes. A first-time applicant must pass a written test, vision test, and road test, which adds time but not cost.

If you are renewing a license that has not expired or will expire within six months, you can renew without retaking the tests. This is the fastest and cheapest route if you are already licensed. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake one or more tests, which still costs the same fee but requires an in-person appointment.

Real ID compliance and the extra $2

A Real ID-compliant driver's license costs $2 more than a standard license. So a five-year Real ID license costs $22 to $32, and a 10-year Real ID license costs $42 to $62. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases. Without Real ID, you will need a passport or other federal ID for these purposes.

Illinois began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and since May 2025, a Real ID license or passport is required to board domestic flights. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a Driver Services facility and paying the fee. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address — the same documents required for a new license.

Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement for the same fee as a renewal — $20 to $30 for five years or $40 to $60 for 10 years. You do not need to retake any tests. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility in person; replacements cannot be done by mail or online.

Processing time for a replacement is typically one to two weeks if you order a standard card, or up to three weeks if you request expedited processing. Expedited processing costs extra — usually $5 to $10 — and is worth considering if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. Some facilities can issue a temporary paper license on the spot while you wait for the card.

How to pay and what payment methods are accepted

At a Driver Services facility, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. The facility will not accept checks or money orders in person. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order payable to the Illinois Secretary of State. If you are renewing online, you will pay by credit or debit card.

The Illinois Secretary of State website shows all Driver Services locations and their hours. Some facilities are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan your visit. If you renew by mail, allow three to four weeks for processing and delivery of your new license.

Discounts and fee waivers

Illinois does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on income or hardship. However, if you are a victim of domestic violence and have obtained an order of protection, you may be able to change your address on file without paying a replacement fee. Contact your local Driver Services facility to ask about this option.

Military members on active duty may have access to expedited processing at certain facilities, but the base fee remains the same. If you are a resident of a long-term care facility and cannot travel to a Driver Services location, you can request a mobile unit visit, though this must be arranged in advance and may have additional costs.

What happens if you cannot afford the fee right now

If your license has expired and you cannot pay the renewal fee when ready, you cannot legally drive until you renew. There is no payment plan or deferral option through the Illinois Secretary of State. However, some community organizations and legal aid agencies offer emergency information with driver's license fees for people facing financial hardship — contact your local legal aid office or 211 to ask whether such programs exist in your area.

If you are facing a suspended license due to unpaid fines or child support, the suspension fee is separate from the renewal fee. You must pay both the suspension reinstatement fee and the renewal fee to get your license back. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online and avoid going to a facility?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. You will receive your new license by mail in three to four weeks. Not all transaction types are available online — if you need to make changes, you must renew in person or by mail.

Do I have to get a Real ID license, or can I keep a standard license?

You can keep a standard license, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. A passport or other federal ID will work instead. If you want to use your driver's license for flights, you must upgrade to Real ID at your next renewal or by visiting a facility and paying the $2 upgrade fee.

What if I turn 21 before my license expires?

Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. When you renew, you will pay the adult rate. There is no fee to update your license when you turn 21 unless you choose to renew early, in which case you pay the full renewal fee.

Is there a fee to change my address on my driver's license?

Changing your address without renewing your license is free. You can do this online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. You do not need to pay the renewal fee unless your license is also expiring.

What if my license was suspended and I need to reinstate it?

The reinstatement fee is separate from the renewal fee and varies depending on why your license was suspended — usually between $100 and $500. You must pay both the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee to get your license back. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to find out the exact reinstatement fee for your situation.