What you need to renew your Illinois driver's license
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other details, you must go in person. The in-person visit takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com works only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to update your address or personal information.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form (DL 44), your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and is necessary if your license expired more than two years ago.
- The renewal fee in Illinois is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; you choose the length when you renew.
- You can find your nearest Secretary of State office and check current wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you visit.
Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website
The fastest option is to renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com if you meet the requirements. You can use this method only if your current license expired within the last two years, you are between 21 and 69 years old, and your address and other personal information have not changed. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your vision, medical history, and whether you have any traffic violations or suspensions. Once you submit, you pay the renewal fee ($30 for four years or $60 for eight years) by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your address or name. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit), which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by phone at 217-782-6900. You must include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before your new license arrives, call the Secretary of State to update it, or wait until you receive the new license and update it at your next in-person visit.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID if your license is expired), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Walk into any Secretary of State facility during business hours. You do not need an appointment. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You pay the fee ($30 or $60) and receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent one is mailed. Your new license arrives within seven to ten business days.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. The Secretary of State website shows current wait times for each facility, updated every 15 minutes. Early morning and weekday visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and weekends.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
When you renew, you choose how long your new license is valid. A four-year license costs $30; an eight-year license costs $60. The choice is yours and depends on your situation. If you expect your address, name, or appearance to change significantly in the next few years, a four-year license means you will renew sooner and can update those details. If you want to avoid another renewal for as long as possible, the eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period.
Your age affects your options slightly. If you are 69 or older, you can only renew in person, and your license is valid for four years. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years regardless of which option you choose.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you have submitted an online or mail renewal and can show proof that you applied before your license expired, an officer may use discretion. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail method — you must go in person. The in-person process is the same as a regular renewal, but you will need to answer additional questions about any traffic violations or suspensions that occurred while your license was expired.
Finding your nearest Secretary of State office and checking wait times
The Illinois Secretary of State operates facilities in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, see their hours, and check current wait times on cyberdriveillinois.com. Enter your city or ZIP code to see a list of nearby locations. The website updates wait times every 15 minutes during business hours, so you can check before you leave home.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. A few high-traffic offices stay open later on certain weekdays. If you live in a rural area, your nearest office may be 30 or more miles away; the website will show you all options within a reasonable distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your current license — your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
What if I moved to Illinois from another state?
You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Illinois. You must obtain an Illinois license instead. Visit a Secretary of State office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name. The process is similar to renewal but is technically a new license.
Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to renew?
No written test is required for renewal. You will have your vision checked at the Secretary of State office if you renew in person, or you will answer vision-related questions if you renew online or by mail. You do not need to take the written driving test again unless your license was suspended or revoked.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. In-person renewal and online renewal both result in your new license arriving within seven to ten business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if my address changed but I do not want to renew yet?
You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a Secretary of State office or by calling 217-782-6900. Bring proof of your new address. Updating your address does not change your license expiration date — you will still renew on your original schedule.