You can keep an old Illinois driver's license, but it cannot be used for identification or voting

An expired Illinois driver's license is yours to keep — the state does not require you to return it or destroy it. However, once it expires, you cannot use it for any official purpose. That means no boarding planes, entering federal buildings, voting in person, or proving your identity to a bank or employer. If you need a valid ID, you will need to renew your license or get a different form of identification.

The confusion often comes from the fact that Illinois does not actively collect expired licenses. You will not receive a notice demanding you turn it in, and keeping it in a drawer is not illegal. But the moment it expires, it becomes a souvenir rather than a document.

Key Takeaways

  • Expired Illinois driver's licenses cannot be used for any official identification purpose, including voting, boarding flights, or opening bank accounts.
  • You are not required to return or destroy an expired license — Illinois does not collect them.
  • Renewing your license before it expires is simpler and faster than waiting until after expiration.
  • If you have lost your current license, you can request a duplicate or replacement through the Secretary of State's office.

When your Illinois license expires and what that means

Illinois driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after they were issued (or eight years if you have a Real ID-compliant license). The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. When that date passes, the license is no longer valid for any official use, even if it looks fine and has no damage.

The state does not send automatic reminders, though you may receive a postcard if you have an address on file with the Secretary of State. It is your responsibility to track the date and renew before or shortly after it passes. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket.

Renewing before your license expires

Renewing before expiration is the easiest path. You can renew online through the Secretary of State's website if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past four years. The online renewal costs less than an in-person renewal and takes a few minutes.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and payment. Processing takes a few weeks, and you can request a temporary license to use while you wait for the new one to arrive by mail.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go in person to a Secretary of State office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but you will need to appear in person rather than handling it remotely.

Do not delay if your license is expired and you need a valid ID. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to need identification for something urgent — a job interview, a bank transaction, or a traffic stop. Getting it renewed takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Using an old license as a backup or keepsake

Many people keep expired licenses in a drawer or wallet as a backup or straightforward because they do not think to throw them away. This is fine — there is no legal problem with keeping an old license. However, do not rely on it as a backup form of identification. If you need to prove your identity, an expired license will not work, even if the person asking accepts it informally.

If you want to keep your old license as a keepsake or record, that is entirely your choice. Some people save licenses from different states or from years past. Just remember that it has no official value once it expires.

Getting a replacement if your current license is lost or damaged

If your current valid license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate or replacement at a Secretary of State office. Bring proof of residency and payment. A duplicate is a new card with the same information and expiration date as your original. This is faster than a full renewal and costs less.

If your license is damaged but not expired, a replacement is usually the better choice than waiting to renew. You will get a new card with the same expiration date, so you do not lose time on your current license cycle.

Real ID compliance and expiration

Illinois Real ID-compliant licenses (marked with a gold star) are valid for eight years instead of four. If your license has a gold star, you have more time before expiration. The renewal process is the same whether your license is standard or Real ID-compliant, but Real ID licenses require additional documentation at renewal — typically a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Real ID compliance matters if you fly domestically or enter federal buildings. A standard (non-Real ID) license will not be accepted for these purposes after May 7, 2025, so if your license does not have a gold star and you fly or visit federal facilities, plan to renew before that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Illinois license to vote in person?

No. An expired license cannot be used as proof of identity for voting. You will need a valid form of ID, such as a current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a valid ID, you can sign an affidavit at the polling place, but an expired license alone will not work.

What if I moved out of Illinois — do I need to return my old license?

No. Illinois does not require you to return expired licenses. If you move to another state and get a new license there, you can keep your old Illinois license or throw it away. There is no process for returning it.

How much does it cost to renew an expired Illinois driver's license?

The cost varies depending on the type of license and whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal is typically cheaper than in-person renewal. Visit the Secretary of State's website or call your local office for current fees, as they can change.

Can I use an old Illinois license as proof of identity for a job or bank account?

Most employers and banks will not accept an expired license as valid identification. They need a current, unexpired form of ID. If you do not have one, you may be able to use other documents like a passport or state ID card, but an expired license will not meet their requirements.

What happens if I get pulled over with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois and can result in a traffic ticket. If you are pulled over, tell the officer your license is expired and provide any other valid identification you have. You may still receive a citation, but having a valid ID on hand can help clarify the situation.