Yes, you can renew after expiration, but the process changes

You can renew your Illinois driver's license after it expires, but you cannot use an expired license to drive legally while you wait for the new one. The state allows you to renew for up to two years after expiration through mail or online, depending on your age and license type. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a Secretary of State facility, which involves the full process process rather than a straightforward renewal.

The key difference is timing: renewing before expiration takes about one to two weeks by mail and is simpler. Renewing after expiration still works, but you lose the option to renew by mail if too much time has passed, and you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois lets you renew by mail or online for up to two years after your license expires, but you cannot drive with an expired license during that time.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go to a Secretary of State facility in person and complete a new process, not a renewal.
  • Renewing by mail takes about one to two weeks; online renewal is faster but only available to certain drivers.
  • You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of legal name change if applicable to renew by mail.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Secretary of State office.

Renewing within two years of expiration

If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew by mail, fill out the renewal process form (available on the Secretary of State website), include your expired license, and mail it to the address on the form along with the renewal fee. Processing takes about one to two weeks, though times vary depending on mail delays and office volume.

Online renewal is faster if you are between 21 and 69 years old and your license has not been suspended or revoked. You log into your Secretary of State account, pay the fee online, and receive your new license by mail within five to seven business days. Not all license types may have access to for online renewal—commercial licenses and those with medical restrictions must renew by mail or in person.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

Once your license has been expired for more than two years, the Secretary of State treats it as no longer valid for renewal purposes. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person and complete a new process, which includes a written test, vision screening, and a new photo. This is the same process as getting your first license, not a straightforward renewal.

Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of your legal name if it has changed, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pay the full license fee rather than a renewal fee. The appointment-based system at most Secretary of State offices means you should book ahead rather than walk in.

Documents you need to renew by mail

For mail renewal within two years of expiration, gather your expired driver's license, a completed renewal process (DL 44), and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. If your legal name has changed since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—include the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Do not send cash. Pay the renewal fee by check or money order made out to the Secretary of State. Include everything in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the process form. Keep a copy of what you send in case questions arise.

Getting a temporary permit if you need to drive now

If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you can get a temporary driving permit at any Secretary of State facility. The permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your renewal is being processed. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the permit fee (which is separate from the renewal fee).

The permit is printed on the spot, so you can drive when ready after getting it. This is useful if your renewal is taking longer than expected or if you cannot wait for mail processing. Once your new license arrives, the temporary permit becomes invalid.

Renewing a commercial driver's license after expiration

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail or online, even if they expired less than two years ago. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your expired CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and medical certification (CDLIS form) if required by your license class.

CDL renewal includes a written test and vision screening. Some drivers also need to take a skills test depending on their license class and any violations on their record. Book an appointment ahead of time, as CDL appointments often have longer wait times than standard license renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have mailed in your renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must get a temporary driving permit from a Secretary of State office. The permit costs a separate fee and is valid for 30 days.

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

The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. Standard licenses cost less to renew than commercial licenses. Check the Secretary of State website for current fees, as they can change. You pay by check or money order for mail renewal, or online for online renewal.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew without your expired license, but you will need additional proof of identity and residency. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID along with two forms of proof of address. Contact your local Secretary of State office before mailing your process to confirm what documents they will accept in place of your expired license.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the Secretary of State's office, which may involve paying fines, completing a hearing, or meeting other requirements. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license.

How long does online renewal take compared to mail renewal?

Online renewal is faster: your new license arrives in five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks, though delays can happen depending on mail service and office processing time. Online renewal is only available to drivers aged 21 to 69 with standard licenses and no medical restrictions.