How to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Illinois

Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a REAL ID (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner). If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person — you cannot use mail or online renewal.

The state sends renewal notices to your address on file about 30 days before expiration. If you do not receive one, you can still renew without it. Your renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expires within the next two years and is not a REAL ID.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a REAL ID.
You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.

If you are may be able to access, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number when ready. Illinois will mail your new license 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 for REAL ID licenses or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Renewing by mail

read or request the mail renewal form (DL 44) from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call 217-782-6900 to check the status. Mail renewal works for both standard and REAL ID licenses as long as your current license has not been expired for more than two years.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a REAL ID, or if you want to change your address, name, or other information on your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.

Visit cyberdriveillinois.com to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

REAL ID licenses and what they mean for renewal

A REAL ID is a driver's license with a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.

When you renew in person for a REAL ID, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). The office will verify these documents before issuing your new license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen rather than straightforward expired, you cannot use renewal. You must explore for a replacement, which requires an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and pay a $30 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.

If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, report it to the Secretary of State and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Illinois allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — it will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

If you moved, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office so you can update your address. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.

What if my renewal is rejected?

If your online or mail renewal is rejected, the Secretary of State will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch in your personal information or a medical condition flagged in state records. The notice will tell you whether you need to renew in person or take another step.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Illinois does not block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, the Secretary of State may suspend your license for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or a failure to appear in court. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.