Where to renew your license in Bloomington
The Illinois Secretary of State runs all driver license renewals in the state. In Bloomington, you can renew at the local Driver Services facility located at 1401 W. Bradley Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701. This is the only office in Bloomington that handles renewals; there is no separate downtown location or satellite office.
You can renew in person during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Arrive early if you go on a Saturday, as wait times are typically longer.
If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. The mail and online options are described in the sections below.
Key Takeaways
- The Bloomington Driver Services office at 1401 W. Bradley Avenue is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- Illinois allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements set by the Secretary of State.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are over 65 or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office.
- Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you want it valid; standard passenger licenses cost between $95 and $150 for four or six years.
What documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at the Bloomington office, bring your current driver license, a document proving your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A Social Security card itself is acceptable proof, but so is a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form.
If your current license is expired by more than one year, you may need to take a vision test and pass a written exam on traffic laws. If your license expired less than one year ago, you typically skip the test. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State offers online renewal through its website at cyberdriveillinois.com. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you are between 18 and 69 years old, and your address has not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
To renew online, log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your vision and health, upload a new photo (or use the photo from your current license), and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not include a vision test or written exam. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, you can start the process on the website and it will tell you whether you are able to continue.
Renewing by mail if you are over 65 or have a medical condition
If you are 65 or older, or if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to visit an office, you may renew by mail. To do this, contact the Bloomington Driver Services office at (309) 557-3950 and ask for a mail renewal form. You can also read the form from the Secretary of State website.
Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. Mail the packet to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your materials. You will receive your new license by mail.
Mail renewal does not include a vision test. If your current license shows any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), those restrictions will carry over to your new license unless you visit an office in person to have them removed.
Renewal fees and how long your new license is valid
The cost of renewal depends on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A standard passenger driver license costs $95 for a four-year renewal or $150 for a six-year renewal. If you are 65 or older, a four-year renewal costs $60. Commercial driver licenses and licenses with special endorsements cost more.
The Secretary of State accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the Bloomington office. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by credit card or debit card. There is no fee waiver or discount based on income.
Your new license will be valid for the number of years you choose at the time of renewal. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking a written exam on traffic laws and a vision test, even if you have been driving the whole time. You will also need to provide a certified birth certificate or passport, which is not required for a straightforward renewal.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it at the Bloomington office without taking the written exam or vision test, as long as you bring all required documents. The renewal process is the same as for a current license.
You are not legally allowed to drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal form. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I visit the office?
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the Bloomington office. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid parking fine?
Illinois does not prevent renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or parking fines. However, if you have an unpaid child support obligation or owe money to the state for other reasons, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until that debt is resolved. Contact the Secretary of State if you are unsure whether you have a suspension.
What if I moved out of Bloomington but still want to renew at the Bradley Avenue office?
You can renew at any Driver Services office in Illinois, not just the one in Bloomington. However, you must renew in the county where you currently live. If you moved to another county, you should renew at the office nearest your new address. Bring proof of your new address with you.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Bloomington office?
The Bloomington Driver Services office does not require appointments for renewals. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, you can check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a duplicate or replacement. This is a different process than renewal and requires a visit to the office in person. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, or straightforward explain that it was lost. The fee for a duplicate is less than a renewal.