Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which license term you choose. A four-year renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60. You pay this fee when you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The fee covers the cost of producing and issuing your new license card.
If you renew online or by mail, you may also pay a small processing fee on top of the license fee — this varies depending on the payment method you use. When you renew in person, you pay only the license fee itself.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility, and the fee is the same regardless of method.
- Online and mail renewals may include a small processing fee added to the base license fee.
- If you renew in person, you pay only the license fee with no additional processing charges.
- Your license must not be expired for more than one year to renew by mail or online; otherwise you must renew in person.
When you can renew online or by mail
You can renew online or by mail if your current license is not expired or has been expired for less than one year. The online renewal process takes place on the Illinois Secretary of State website and is usually the fastest option — you can complete it from home and receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license along with a completed renewal form and payment. This method takes longer than online renewal, typically two to three weeks or more depending on mail delivery times.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You will need to bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The in-person process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent card is mailed to you.
You can find the nearest Secretary of State facility and check wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some locations are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online can help you choose a time with shorter waits.
What documents you need to bring
For any renewal method, you need your current or expired Illinois driver's license. If you are renewing in person, you also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you will work. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
For online renewal, you will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.
Payment methods and processing fees
When you renew online, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Online payment usually includes a processing fee of around $2 to $3, though this amount can vary. When you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — no processing fee is added, but you must mail your payment along with your process.
In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. No processing fee is charged for in-person payment. If you pay by card in person, the Secretary of State facility processes the payment when ready.
How long your new license is valid
When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $30 and is valid for four years from the date of renewal. An eight-year license costs $60 and is valid for eight years. The eight-year option costs more but means you renew less often — some people choose it to avoid the hassle of renewing frequently.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew so your license arrives at the correct location.
What happens if you renew late
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person to a Secretary of State facility. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have a renewal in progress, but this does not may provide you will not receive a ticket.
To avoid this situation, renew your license before it expires. The Secretary of State sends renewal reminders by mail about 30 days before your license expires, so watch for that notice in your mailbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment.
Do I have to choose an eight-year license, or can I stick with four years?
You can choose either term when you renew. The four-year license costs $30 and the eight-year license costs $60. Pick whichever works better for your situation — there is no requirement to choose the longer term.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks of completing an online renewal. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and your old license is expired, contact the Secretary of State to ask about a temporary license.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to update your address before you renew. If you have already renewed and your address changes before the license arrives, call the Secretary of State office to report the change so your license is sent to the correct location.
Can I renew my license at a different location than where I got my first one?
Yes, you can renew at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Illinois. You do not have to return to the same location where you originally obtained your license.