Where to renew and what documents you need

Illinois lets you renew your driver license in three ways: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard one.

For any renewal route, you will need to provide your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and proof of your Illinois residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring the residency document showing your new address.

If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Driver Services facility in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license is not expired and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to mail your current license to the Secretary of State and wait for the new one to arrive.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • REAL ID-compliant licenses require additional documents like a birth certificate, passport, or certified copy of your birth record, plus proof of Social Security number and two proofs of residency.
  • You can check wait times at specific Driver Services locations on the Secretary of State website before you go in person.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The fastest and cheapest option is to renew online at sos.illinois.gov if your license is current and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You will also answer security questions based on your driving record and license history.

After you complete the online form, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Illinois charges $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website or request one by phone at 217-782-6900. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Attach a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Secretary of State.

Mail your completed process, proof of residency, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You should keep your current license until the new one arrives, since you can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. This option works only if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

If your license is expired by more than one year, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit a Driver Services facility. Illinois has facilities in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, you will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. The facility staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the facility is. You will pay the same fee as online or mail renewal at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some facilities offer a rush service for an additional fee if you need your license sooner.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Illinois began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant and you can renew it using any method — online, by mail, or in person.

If your license does not have a gold star, you can choose to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal or keep your standard license. Upgrading requires you to visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring additional documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a state-issued ID. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or tax return, and two separate documents proving your current Illinois residency.

A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license. The main difference is the gold star and the extra documents required to obtain it. If you do not travel by air or visit federal buildings, you do not need to upgrade.

Fees and how long renewal takes

Illinois driver license renewal fees depend on the length of the license you choose. A four-year license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $60. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person and request rush service, there is an additional fee — check with your local Driver Services facility for the current amount.

Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you pay. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. In-person renewal also results in a license mailed within 7 to 10 business days, but you get the benefit of when ready verification and a new photo taken on the day you visit.

You can legally drive on your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive, even if your current license has expired. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.

What to do if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency at your current address.

If you have only changed your address and your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail using your new address. When you renew online, you will enter your new address in the form. When you renew by mail, include a document showing your new address as your proof of residency. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

If you have changed both your name and address, or if your license is expired by more than one year, you must go to a Driver Services facility in person. The staff will update your name and address in the system and issue a new license with both changes reflected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but only in person at a Driver Services facility. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You may be required to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired and your age. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

In Illinois, you can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed. Once your new license arrives in the mail, your old license is no longer valid and you must stop using it. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, show them your expired license and explain that you have a renewal in progress.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Illinois?

No. A REAL ID license is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not fly or visit federal facilities, a standard Illinois driver license is sufficient for driving and other everyday purposes. You can choose whether to upgrade when you renew.

What happens if I lose my license before it expires?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must replace it in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring proof of your identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee. The facility will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your original license.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Illinois does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some municipalities may place a hold on your license if you have unpaid tickets in their jurisdiction. If you attempt to renew and are denied, contact the court or municipality where the ticket was issued to resolve the debt. Once resolved, you can complete your renewal.