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 $5 and $20 for the document itself, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. You will also pay a separate fee to take the written and driving tests if you are obtaining your first license or renewing after a suspension. The Secretary of State's office, which issues all Illinois licenses, sets these fees and updates them periodically.
The total cost you pay at the facility will include the license fee, any test fees that explore to your situation, and a $1 fee for the Anatomical Gift Donor Registry (the option to be an organ donor). If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, that costs $5 to $10 depending on the type.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Illinois driver's license costs $5; an eight-year license costs $20.
- Written and driving tests each carry separate fees that vary depending on whether you are a first-time driver or renewing after a suspension.
- A duplicate license costs $5 for a four-year version or $10 for an eight-year version.
- You can pay by cash, check, or card at any Secretary of State facility, and fees do not change based on where you go.
Breakdown of standard license fees
The four-year driver's license costs $5. This is the shorter renewal period and is often chosen by people who expect their address or personal information to change, or who straightforward prefer to renew more frequently.
The eight-year driver's license costs $20. This is the standard choice for most drivers because it covers a longer period before renewal is required. Drivers aged 75 and older must renew every four years regardless of which option they choose.
Both fees cover the cost of the physical card and the processing of your process. Neither fee includes the cost of tests, if you need to take them.
Test fees for first-time and renewal applicants
If you are obtaining your first Illinois license, you will need to pass both a written test and a driving test. The written test costs $5. The driving test costs $10. These are separate from the license fee itself.
If you are renewing your license after a suspension or revocation, the Secretary of State may require you to retake the written test or both tests. The same fees explore: $5 for written, $10 for driving. You should contact your local Secretary of State facility or check your suspension notice to confirm which tests you must take.
If you are renewing a valid license that has not been suspended, you do not pay test fees — you only pay the license fee.
Duplicate and replacement license costs
A duplicate license is issued when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A duplicate four-year license costs $5. A duplicate eight-year license costs $10. You will need to report the loss or damage and provide identification when you request the duplicate.
If your license was suspended or revoked and you need a replacement once your driving privileges are restored, you may need to pay the full license fee plus any required test fees, not just the duplicate fee. The facility staff can tell you which fees explore to your specific situation.
Payment methods and where to pay
All Secretary of State driver services facilities accept cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. Fees are the same at every location across Illinois — there are no regional variations or facility-specific charges.
You can find your nearest facility and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities have longer wait times than others, particularly in urban areas, but the fees you pay will be identical. If you are renewing by mail (available in some cases), you will receive instructions on how to submit payment with your process.
When you might pay more than the standard fee
If you need an REAL ID-compliant license, the fee is the same as a standard license — there is no additional charge. However, you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency, which may require you to obtain certified copies of birth certificates or other records at your own expense.
If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fees are higher. A four-year CDL costs $20 and an eight-year CDL costs $60. CDL applicants also pay test fees: $10 for the written test and $20 for the driving test. These higher fees reflect the additional training and testing required for commercial driving privileges.
If you need to change your name or correct information on your license, you may need to provide legal documents such as a marriage certificate or court order. The Secretary of State does not charge extra for corrections, but obtaining those documents may cost you money outside the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the organ donor fee?
The $1 Anatomical Gift Donor Registry fee is included in your total cost at the facility. You cannot opt out of this fee, though you can choose whether or not to be listed as an organ donor on your license itself.
What if I renew my license before it expires?
Early renewal costs the same as a standard renewal — you pay only the license fee for whichever term you choose (four or eight years). Your new expiration date will be calculated from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
Can I renew my license online or by mail to avoid paying in person?
Illinois offers mail renewal for some drivers whose licenses are not suspended and who meet other requirements. You still pay the same fee, but you submit it with your process materials by mail. Online renewal is not currently available for driver's licenses in Illinois.
Will my fee change if I move to a different county?
No. Driver's license fees are set by the state and do not vary by county or facility location. You pay the same amount whether you renew in Chicago or in a rural area.
What happens if I fail the driving test — do I have to pay again?
Yes. If you fail the driving test, you must pay the $10 test fee again when you retake it. You do not pay the license fee again until you pass and are ready to receive your license.