What you need to renew your Illinois driver's license
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, whether you need to change information, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or retaking a test.
You will need proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and your current Illinois driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license that is not more than one year expired. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is not expired or expired less than one year ago.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal but takes two to three weeks for your new license to arrive, and you cannot change your address or photo this way.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address or photo, or if you want to change your name.
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Illinois does not require you to retake the written or driving test when renewing unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to renew is through the Secretary of State's online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your current information, and pay the renewal fee. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if your license is currently valid or expired less than one year ago. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online. If any of your information is incorrect, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding child support obligation or if your license was suspended or revoked.
The cost is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment that you can display on your phone while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must not be expired or must have expired less than one year ago. You complete the renewal form (DL 44), include a copy of your proof of address, and mail everything to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Processing takes two to three weeks.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. You pay by check or money order made out to the Secretary of State. Like online renewal, you cannot change your address, name, or photo by mail. If you need to update any information, you must go in person.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or if you want a paper record of your submission. However, it is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage over the online method for most people.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You can also renew in person if you straightforward prefer to do so.
Bring your current driver's license or ID card, your Social Security number, and an original or certified copy of a document proving your current address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A PO box is not acceptable as proof of address.
In-person renewal at most Secretary of State facilities does not require an appointment, but wait times vary. Some facilities are busier than others, and times are longer during lunch hours and late afternoon. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. The renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
How long your new license is valid
Illinois driver's licenses are valid for either four years or eight years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. The four-year license costs $30 and the eight-year license costs $60. Most people choose the eight-year option because the annual cost is lower, but you can choose either term when you renew.
Your new license will have an expiration date printed on the front. You can renew again anytime during the 90 days before your license expires. If you wait until after it expires, you can still renew by mail or online if it has been less than one year since expiration, but if it has been more than one year, you must renew in person.
What to do if your address or name has changed
If you have moved or changed your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and if you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The Secretary of State will update your information during the in-person visit and issue a new license with your current address and name. This process takes the same amount of time as a regular renewal and costs the same fee.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or a DUI conviction. Contact the Secretary of State's office or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license in person at a Secretary of State facility. You will need to bring the same documents as a regular in-person renewal, plus any documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than one year ago. You must go in person to a Secretary of State facility. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The renewal process is the same as a regular in-person renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can show on your phone while you wait. If you need your physical license sooner, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Do I need to take a new photo or retake the driving test when I renew?
No, you do not need to retake the written or driving test when you renew. If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person and want a new photo, you can request one, but it is not required. A new photo is required only if your license was suspended or revoked.
What counts as proof of my current address?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. A PO box does not count as a current address. If you do not have one of these documents, contact the Secretary of State to ask about other options.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have an outstanding child support obligation. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. The facility will check your status during the visit. If there is an issue, staff can direct you to the appropriate agency to resolve it before completing your renewal.