Illinois driver's license renewal: what you need to do and where to go
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people under 69 with a valid license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person.
The state issues licenses that are valid for four years if you are under 69, or two years if you are 69 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Your renewal notice arrives by mail about two months before expiration and includes a barcode that speeds up the online process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have your renewal notice barcode, and the new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes 2 to 3 weeks because the Secretary of State processes it by hand.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license expired more than a year ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
- You must bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days) and your Social Security number to any renewal, whether online, by mail, or in person.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license if you are under 69, or $20 for a two-year license if you are 69 or older.
Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the quickest path if your license is still valid and you have your renewal notice. You will need your driver's license number, the barcode from your renewal notice, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system checks your information against state records and charges your credit or debit card $30 (or $20 if you are 69 or older).
After you complete the online form, the Secretary of State mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive. If you need to change your address during renewal, you can do that online, and the new address will print on your replacement license.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 69 (because the license term changes). In those cases, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person.
Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal but takes longer because a staff member processes your paperwork by hand. You send your renewal notice, a check or money order for the fee, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address printed on your notice. The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access, prefer not to use a credit card online, or live far from a Secretary of State facility. You do not need to include your original license with your mailed renewal — the state has your information on file. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the mail is lost.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than a year ago or if you need a new photo. The state will return your paperwork if you do not meet the requirements, which delays the process further.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name. The Secretary of State operates facilities in most counties, and you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the state website. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
The in-person process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the facility is. A staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the $30 fee (or $20 if you are 69 or older), and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Secretary of State facilities are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted. If you cannot visit during regular hours, check whether your county has a mobile unit that visits smaller towns on a schedule.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, you need your Social Security number and proof of residency. Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days of your renewal and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement in your name. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you also need your renewal notice (which includes the barcode) or your current driver's license number. If you are renewing in person, bring your current or expired license and your proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number instead of the barcode. The process takes the same amount of time.
Renewal fees and how to pay
The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license if you are under 69, or $20 for a two-year license if you are 69 or older. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Secretary of State. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
The fee covers the license itself and the state's processing cost. There are no additional charges for address changes, name changes, or corrections to your information. If you renew before your current license expires, you do not pay extra — the new license straightforward starts from your renewal date.
What happens after you renew
After you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one — you do not need to return it to the state.
If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license arrives by mail. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one for driving purposes.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State to report it. The state can reissue a license if yours was lost in the mail, though there may be an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, the Secretary of State requires in-person renewal if your license has been expired for more than a year. You must visit a Secretary of State facility with your proof of residency and Social Security number. Bring your expired license if you still have it, though it is not required.
What if I do not have my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number instead of the barcode from your notice. The process is the same and takes the same amount of time. If you have lost your license as well, you must renew in person.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person or if you specifically request one. If you want a new photo but your license is still valid, you can visit a Secretary of State facility and pay a $20 fee for a photo update without renewing the license itself.
How long is my new license valid?
Your new license is valid for four years if you are under 69, or two years if you are 69 or older. The expiration date prints on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires.
What if I changed my address and did not update it during renewal?
You can update your address at any Secretary of State facility in person, or by mail if you send a signed letter with your new address and proof of residency. Address changes do not require a fee. Your new license will print with the updated address if you change it during renewal, but if you change it after renewal, you will need to wait until your next renewal for the address to appear on your license.