Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's office in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.

If you renew online or by mail, you will not get a new photo — your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal are faster and do not require a trip, but they are only available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions the Secretary of State lists on its website.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility takes longer because of wait times, but it is the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you want to change your name or address on the license itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State's website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or revocation.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no trip or appointment; you will receive your new license by mail.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a Real ID, or if you want a new photo.
  • Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four years for most drivers, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The Secretary of State's online renewal system is the fastest route if you are not expired and have no suspensions or revocations on your record. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a renewal notice by mail within a few days.

Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You will keep your current photo and all information on your license stays the same unless you update your address during the renewal. If you move, you can update your address online at the same time, but the address change will appear on your new license when it arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have an active traffic ticket or court order, or if you are over 80 years old. The Secretary of State's website will tell you when ready whether you are able to renew online.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the Secretary of State's office. You can read the renewal form from the Secretary of State's website or request one by phone. The form is called the Driver's License Renewal process.

Mail your materials to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation that your materials arrived, so keep a record of when you mailed them. Your new license will come by mail to the address on file.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — you cannot use it if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If you are unsure whether you are able to renew by mail, call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line before you send anything.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you want a new photo. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility in your county. The Secretary of State's website has a location finder that shows hours and wait times for each facility.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document) and a second form of ID. Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and take longer to process.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many facilities are busiest on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Saturdays. Some facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check the Secretary of State's website to see whether your local facility offers appointments.

Fees and payment methods

A standard four-year Illinois driver's license renewal costs a set fee that varies depending on your age and license type. Real ID-compliant licenses cost more. The Secretary of State's website lists the exact fee for your situation.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. Online and mail renewal accept card payments only. In-person renewal accepts cash, card, and check. If you pay by check in person, make it out to the Secretary of State.

What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives

If you renew by mail or online and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally while you wait. Keep your renewal notice or confirmation email with you as proof that you have renewed. Police will recognize this as valid documentation that your renewal is in process.

If your license has already expired and you did not renew before expiration, you cannot drive legally. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and fines.

Real ID requirements and what changes

A Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Illinois offers Real ID licenses, but they cost more and require additional documents at renewal. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document) and two forms of ID.

Real ID renewal must be done in person. The process takes longer than standard renewal because the Secretary of State's office must verify your citizenship documents. Your new Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner to show it meets federal standards.

If you do not need a Real ID license, you can continue to renew your standard license by mail or online. A standard license is still valid for driving within Illinois and for other purposes that do not require federal compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than a year. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The facility staff will process your renewal the same way they would for a current license.

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

Online and mail renewal take two to three weeks from the date you submit or mail your materials. In-person renewal is faster for getting your new license — you will receive it by mail within one to two weeks after your visit. Wait times at the facility itself vary by location.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State's office and provide your new address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you do not update your address, your license will go to your old address and you may not receive it.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but many Driver Services facilities now offer them online. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time from one to two hours to 15 to 30 minutes. Check the Secretary of State's website to see whether your local facility offers appointments.

What if my name changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.