You can renew an expired Illinois license by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State office
An expired Illinois driver's license can still be renewed, though your options depend on how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The process is straightforward in all cases, but you will need specific documents and must follow the correct steps for your situation.
The Secretary of State handles all Illinois driver's license renewals. You do not go through a third party or private service — only the state office can issue a valid license. Knowing which renewal method applies to you saves time and prevents rejected applications.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form (DL 44), proof of residency, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
- Online renewal is the fastest option for recent expirations and requires you to create an account on the Secretary of State website and pay by debit or credit card.
- In-person renewal requires your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of ID; bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- You can check your license status and expiration date on the Secretary of State website before you begin the renewal process.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for Illinois Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Mail your completed form, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The Secretary of State will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail first, which you can use when ready while your plastic card is being produced.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
Online renewal is the fastest method and available only through the official Secretary of State website. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Have your current or expired license handy — you will need the license number and other information from it.
The online form asks for your personal information, current address, and whether you want to renew your organ donor status. You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once submitted, your process is processed when ready, and you can print a temporary license right away. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. This is the fastest renewal method available.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than five years ago
Licenses expired longer than five years require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State Driver Services office. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation. Bring your Social Security number, one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and a valid form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Secretary of State website and check their hours before you go. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, tell the staff member you are renewing an expired license. They will take your photo, verify your documents, and process your process on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail (expired less than 5 years) | Form DL 44, proof of residency | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks |
| Online (expired less than 5 years) | License number and personal information from expired license | Debit or credit card | 1–2 weeks |
| In person (expired more than 5 years) | Social Security number, proof of residency, valid ID | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | 1–2 weeks (plus office visit) |
Understanding the renewal fee and what it covers
The renewal fee for a standard Illinois driver's license is set by the state and does not vary based on your age or how long your license has been expired. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you are renewing in person, you pay at the office. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order. If you are renewing online, you pay by card when ready.
The renewal fee is not refundable if you change your mind after submitting your process. Once your process is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address on the Secretary of State website, and the license will be forwarded to your new location.
What to do if your process is rejected or delayed
The Secretary of State may reject your renewal process if your documents are incomplete, illegible, or do not meet requirements. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining what is missing. Correct the problem and resubmit your process using the same method. For mail renewals, this means sending in the corrected form and documents again. For online renewals, you can log back into your account and update the information.
If your process is taking longer than expected, you can check the status on the Secretary of State website using your license number. If you need your license urgently before it arrives, you can visit a Driver Services office in person and request an expedited temporary license. Some offices can issue a temporary license valid for 30 days on the same day you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. If you are renewing in person, the office will give you a temporary license before you leave. You can drive legally with this temporary license while your permanent card is being mailed to you.
What if I moved since my license expired?
Update your address on the renewal form or online account before you submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you are renewing in person, bring a document proving your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you are renewing by mail or online, the Secretary of State will use your photo from your previous license. If you are renewing in person, they will take a new photo. You cannot submit your own photo for any renewal method.
What if my name changed since my license expired?
You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, a valid ID, and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For mail renewal, yes — someone else can mail your completed form and documents on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can log into your account and submit the process. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person with your documents; the Secretary of State does not accept proxy renewals.