How to renew your Real ID in Illinois

You can renew your Real ID driver's license or state ID card in Illinois by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your address or other information has changed. Mail and online renewals are faster than in-person visits if you meet the requirements, but you'll need to verify your identity with documents before you can use either option.

Illinois Real ID renewals are valid for four years if you're under 21, or eight years if you're 21 or older. The state charges $30 for a driver's license renewal and $20 for a state ID renewal, whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Real ID online through the Secretary of State website if your address hasn't changed and your current license isn't damaged or lost.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process, while online renewal is typically faster.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is required if your address has changed, your current license is damaged, or you need to update your photo.
  • You must bring your current Real ID license or state ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
  • Real ID renewal fees are $30 for a driver's license and $20 for a state ID, and neither method includes a fee waiver for seniors or low-income residents.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The Illinois Secretary of State website allows you to renew your Real ID online if you meet specific conditions. Your current license must not be damaged, lost, or stolen; your address must not have changed since your last renewal; and you must have a valid email address on file. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you'll receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, visit the Secretary of State's Driver Services portal, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. You won't need to upload documents because the state already has your identity information from your current license. If any of your information is incorrect during the online process, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal for unchanged information

Mail renewal is an option if your address and other personal information haven't changed since your last renewal and your current license is in good condition. You'll need to request a mail renewal process from the Secretary of State by phone at 217-782-6900 or by visiting a Driver Services facility in person. The state will mail you an process form, which you complete and return with your current license and the renewal fee.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks after the Secretary of State receives your completed process. You should mail your process at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired card. Once approved, your new Real ID will arrive by mail. If the state finds any issues with your process, they will contact you by mail, which can add additional time to the process.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

You must renew in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility if your address has changed, your current license is damaged or lost, you want to update your photo, or you didn't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Illinois has Driver Services facilities in most counties, and you can find the location nearest you and check wait times on the Secretary of State website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

The in-person renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll have your photo taken, verify your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new Real ID will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the facility, which is valid for 30 days.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Real ID driver's license or state ID to any in-person renewal appointment. You'll also need one document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued document with your address, like a property tax bill or vehicle registration, also works.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified copy of your Social Security card is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring your original documents—photocopies are not accepted.

What happens if your Real ID expires before you renew

If your Real ID expires before your new card arrives, you cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You can still drive in Illinois with an expired license, but you should carry your temporary paper license or a copy of your renewal confirmation if you received one. If you're stopped by police, explain that your renewal is in progress.

To avoid this situation, start your renewal at least four weeks before your expiration date if you're renewing by mail, or two weeks before if you're renewing online or in person. If your license has already expired and you need to travel by air or enter a federal facility before your new card arrives, you can request an expedited renewal in person at a Driver Services facility, though this may involve an additional fee and is not may provide to speed up mail delivery.

Renewing after a name change or correction

If you've changed your name since your last renewal due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring documentation of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will update your name in the system and issue a new Real ID with your current name.

If you notice an error on your current Real ID—such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address—you should also renew in person so the state can correct the information before issuing your new card. Bring the document that proves the correct information, such as your birth certificate for a date of birth error or a utility bill for an address error. Correcting errors during renewal is faster and simpler than trying to fix them after your new card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID online if my address changed?

No. Online renewal requires that your address remain the same as what's on file with the Secretary of State. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my renewed Real ID after I submit my process?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for your new card to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Secretary of State receives your completed process. If you need to drive before your card arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at an in-person appointment, valid for 30 days.

What if my current license is damaged or lost?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your current license is damaged, lost, or stolen. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The facility will issue a temporary paper license while your new Real ID is being mailed to you.

Do I have to pay a renewal fee if I'm a senior or low-income?

Illinois does not offer fee waivers or discounts for Real ID renewals based on age or income. The renewal fee is $30 for a driver's license and $20 for a state ID, regardless of your circumstances. You must pay this fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I renew my Real ID if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, you can renew an expired Real ID through any of the three methods—online, mail, or in person—as long as you meet the other requirements for that method. However, if your license has been expired for a long time, the Secretary of State may require you to renew in person to verify your identity and current information.