The fastest way to renew depends on when your license expires

You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a facility takes a few hours but lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid email address on file, and your license expires more than 30 days from now. If your license has already expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $95 for a four-year license or $145 for an eight-year license.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Secretary of State, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any Secretary of State facility requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready.
  • You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or will expire within 30 days.
  • Your new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll need your current Illinois driver's license number, the expiration date on your license, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal information.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll review your current information and make any updates — such as a new address or name change. Then you'll choose your license term: four years for $95 or eight years for $145. Pay by debit card or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system cannot verify your identity online, you'll be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. This sometimes happens if your personal information doesn't match what's on file or if there's a flag on your record.

Renewing by mail

read and print the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from cyberdriveillinois.com, or call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the expiration date.

Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $95 (four-year license) or $145 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your new license mailed back to you promptly — otherwise it will be returned to the address on file.

The Secretary of State will process your renewal within 2 to 3 weeks. Your old license will be returned to you, and your new license will arrive separately. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal instead.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

Locate your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility at cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your city or ZIP code. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (such as a passport), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.

Check in when you arrive, and a staff member will review your documents and take a new photo. You'll pay $95 for a four-year license or $145 for an eight-year license by cash, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Facilities are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week. If you want to avoid waiting, some facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online through cyberdriveillinois.com.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but you'll need to bring an additional form of ID when renewing in person — your expired license alone is not sufficient.

If your license expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same steps above. You cannot drive legally while your license is expired, even if you've submitted a renewal process.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you've moved or changed your name, you can update this information during the renewal process. Online, you'll see a section to edit your address and name before you pay. By mail, write your new information clearly on the form. In person, tell the staff member about the change, and they'll update your record before taking your photo.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you may need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the change when you renew in person. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm what documents you need before you visit a facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State before you can renew. Call 217-782-6900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if I don't have a valid email address for online renewal?

You can renew by mail or in person instead. If you want to set up an email address on file for future renewals, you can update your contact information at a Secretary of State facility or by calling 217-782-6900.

How long is my new license valid?

Your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you chose when you renewed. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 with your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the correct location. You can also update your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com if you have an account.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, the Secretary of State will use your existing photo on file. If you renew in person, a staff member will take a new photo at the facility.