What you need to do to renew in Illinois
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. Most people under 69 with a standard license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're over 69, have a commercial license, or your license is suspended or revoked, you must renew in person.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for you to use mail or online renewal. If it's older than that, you'll need to visit a facility and take the written test again. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose — online is fastest, mail takes one to two weeks, and in-person visits depend on how busy your local office is.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois residents under 69 with a standard driver's license can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com or by mail without visiting a Secretary of State facility.
- Your license must not be expired by more than five years to use mail or online renewal; older licenses require an in-person visit and a written test.
- Online renewal is the fastest method and lets you print a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes one to two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
- You can schedule an appointment online before visiting in person, which reduces wait times at most locations.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal happens at cyberdriveillinois.com under the "Driver Services" section. You'll need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, you can print a temporary license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your new physical license to arrive by mail, which usually takes five to ten business days. You don't need to visit an office, and there's no written test required if your license is current.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you'll need to fill out form DL 43, which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by calling 217-782-6900. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you haven't had any violations or suspensions. If your address has changed, include a piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill or lease works. You won't receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so you'll be without a valid license until your new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility if you're over 69, have a commercial license, your license is expired by more than five years, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current Illinois driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You'll fill out form DL 43 at the facility.
You can schedule an appointment online at cyberdriveillinois.com before you go, which cuts down on wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first. If you're renewing a standard license and your vision and address haven't changed, you won't take a written test — the staff will process your renewal while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Illinois charges different renewal fees depending on how long your new license is valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. If you're over 81, your license is valid for only four years and costs less than a standard adult renewal. The exact fee amount changes periodically, so check the Secretary of State website for the current price before you pay.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online or in person. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Some Secretary of State facilities have payment kiosks if you prefer not to use a card. If you're renewing by mail and your check is rejected, the office will contact you to arrange payment before processing your renewal.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license in Illinois is against the law, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary license (if you renewed online) or proof that you mailed your renewal process, but this doesn't may provide you won't receive a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and take the written test again. This makes the process longer and more involved than a standard renewal. Starting your renewal at least two months before your expiration date gives you time to handle any complications.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal by providing your new address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The Secretary of State will update your address in their system at the same time they process your renewal.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot change it during a standard renewal. You'll need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will process your name change and renewal together, but you must do this in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and take the written test again.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new physical license arrives by mail in five to ten business days. You can print a temporary license when ready after completing your online renewal, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online reduces your wait time. Walk-in customers are served after those with appointments. You can schedule at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to find a nearby facility.
What if I don't have proof of my current address?
You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you don't have one, contact your utility company or bank to request a recent statement before you renew.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a Secretary of State facility. You'll need to bring your current commercial license, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You may be required to take a written test depending on your license type.