What You Need to Do to Renew in Illinois

Illinois lets you renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few minutes and costs less than going in person. You'll need your current license, a valid form of identification if your license has expired, and payment by credit card, debit card, or check.

The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has been expired for more than a year. If your license expired within the last year, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license expired within the last year and you have a valid credit or debit card.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the Secretary of State, and takes two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license expired more than a year ago, and you should bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
  • Illinois driver licenses are valid for four years for most drivers, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to one year after expiration.

Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee, which varies based on how many years you're renewing for.

You can renew for two, four, or eight years. Pay with a credit card or debit card, and the Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address on file within two to three weeks. You don't need to visit an office, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last year. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website, or call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

The renewal fee depends on how many years you're renewing for. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the Secretary of State to return your old license. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you don't have a credit or debit card or prefer not to use the internet. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than a year ago.

Renewing in Person at a Secretary of State Facility

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license. Find your nearest Secretary of State facility at cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your zip code. Most facilities accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during certain hours. Check the facility's hours before you go.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Processing is when ready, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you.

Wait times at Secretary of State facilities vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits and weekday visits typically have shorter lines than afternoons and weekends. If you're renewing in person, plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the facility.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than a Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have a renewal process in progress. If you're stopped by police, you could face a ticket. If your license has been expired for a long time, the Secretary of State may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before renewing. Call 217-782-6900 to ask whether your specific situation requires a test.

Understanding Renewal Fees and Payment Options

Illinois driver license renewal fees depend on how many years you're renewing for. A two-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal, which costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check cyberdriveillinois.com for current fees before you pay.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or cash. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts all four payment methods. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Secretary of State.

What to Expect After You Renew

After you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your new plastic license will arrive within two to three weeks.

If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready. The office can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois driver license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be an Illinois resident to hold an Illinois driver license. If you've moved, you need to obtain a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Illinois license to the Secretary of State by mail or in person.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal process is the same, but you'll need the additional document.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the Secretary of State uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken at the facility. You cannot bring your own photo.

What if I lost my current license before renewing?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and report the license as lost. Bring proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if it's expired or expiring soon.

Can I renew early if my license hasn't expired yet?

Yes. Illinois allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year after your current license would have expired. Online and mail renewal are available for early renewals.