What to do when your Illinois license has already expired
If your Illinois driver's license has already passed its expiration date, you can still renew it — but the process depends on how long it has been expired. Licenses expired for fewer than five years can be renewed by mail or online without a new vision test or photo. Licenses expired for more than five years require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State facility, where you will need a new photo, vision screening, and signature.
The good news is that an expired license does not lock you out of renewal. The bad news is that you cannot legally drive with it, and waiting longer makes the process more complicated. The sooner you renew, the fewer documents you will need to gather.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years can be renewed online or by mail without visiting an office or taking a vision test.
- Licenses expired more than five years require an in-person appointment at a Secretary of State facility, a new photo, and a vision screening.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your expired license to renew online or by mail.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.
- If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to avoid delays.
Renewing online if your license expired within the last five years
The fastest route is the Illinois Secretary of State online renewal portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your expired license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a current email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved. You do not need to upload documents — the Secretary of State already has your information on file.
The online system accepts payment by debit card or credit card only. The renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this waiting period if you print the confirmation email and carry it with your expired license.
If the online system rejects your process, it usually means your address on file does not match what you entered, or your Social Security number does not match state records. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail if you cannot use the online system
If you prefer not to renew online, or if the online system will not accept your information, you can mail in the renewal form. Request form DL 1051 from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900, or read it from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill out the form completely, including your current address.
Mail the form along with a check or money order for $30 (four-year) or $60 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address. You do not need to include your expired license itself, but keep it for your records.
Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds another week on each end, so plan for 6 to 8 weeks total. You cannot legally drive during this period, so this method works best if you do not need to drive when ready.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than five years ago
Licenses expired for more than five years cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Schedule an appointment at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900. Walk-ins are accepted but expect longer waits, especially at busy locations.
Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The office will take a new photo and conduct a vision screening. The vision test is the same as a new license test — you will read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
The in-person renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the location. You will receive your new license on the spot, so you can drive legally when ready after your appointment.
What happens if you have moved since your license expired
If you have moved to a different address in Illinois, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will prompt you to confirm or change your address before you submit payment. By mail, write your new address clearly on form DL 1051. In person, tell the clerk your new address when you arrive.
If you have moved out of Illinois, you cannot renew an Illinois license. You will need to obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their renewal process.
What to do if you lost your expired license
You do not need your expired license in your hand to renew it online. The system only asks for your license number, which you can find on old insurance documents, vehicle registration, or previous correspondence from the Secretary of State. If you cannot locate your license number, call 217-782-6900 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number — they will look it up for you.
If you are renewing by mail and do not have your license number, write "License Number Unknown" on form DL 1051 and include your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The Secretary of State will match your process to your record. If you are renewing in person, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport instead of your expired license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Illinois license while I wait for my renewal?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you renew online or by mail, print your confirmation email and carry it with your expired license — some officers will accept this as proof of pending renewal, but it is not may provide. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
What if the online system says my information does not match?
This usually means your address on file at the Secretary of State does not match what you entered, or your Social Security number does not match state records. Call 217-782-6900 to verify your information before trying again. You can also renew by mail or in person instead.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online renewals arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks for processing plus mail delivery time, so 6 to 8 weeks total. In-person renewals are issued when ready when you finish your appointment.
Do I need a new vision test if my license expired less than five years ago?
No. Licenses expired fewer than five years can be renewed online or by mail without a vision test. Only licenses expired more than five years require an in-person visit and vision screening.
What if I want an eight-year license instead of a four-year license?
You can choose either length when you renew, online or in person. An eight-year license costs $60 instead of $30. By mail, write the length you want on form DL 1051. Online, the system will ask you to select four or eight years before you pay.