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 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you'll need to know which method works for your situation before you start. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose — online renewal is fastest, mail takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal at a facility can be done the same day.
Your license expires on your birthday, and Illinois recommends you renew it within six months before that date. You can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through sos.illinois.gov is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address, name, or vision status.
- Mail renewal works if you're renewing early or your license hasn't expired yet, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
- You'll need your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.
- Illinois charges a renewal fee that varies based on how long your new license is valid for — typically $30 for a four-year renewal or $95 for an eight-year renewal.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Start at sos.illinois.gov and look for the "Driver Services" section. You'll find a link for online license renewal. You can only use this method if your current license is still valid (not expired), you haven't changed your name or address, your vision hasn't changed, and you don't have any medical conditions that need updating. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll choose how long you want your new license to be valid — four years or eight years — and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Illinois will mail your new license to the address on file. The whole process takes about 10 minutes online, and your new license should arrive within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal if you can't go online
If you're renewing early (before your license expires) but don't want to go online, you can renew by mail. read the DL 43 form from the Secretary of State website or request one by calling 217-782-6900. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want the new license mailed. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Secretary of State."
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the Secretary of State's Driver Services office in Springfield. Include a copy of your current license if possible. The Secretary of State will process your renewal and mail your new license to you, which usually takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your materials. You can drive on your current license the entire time you're waiting.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, or if you want to update your vision information. Find your nearest Secretary of State facility at sos.illinois.gov by entering your zip code. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time waiting in line.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating medical information, bring documentation from your doctor. The facility will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of renewal.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. You'll follow the same process as a standard in-person renewal, but the Secretary of State may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring all the same documents — your expired license, proof of address, and payment.
You cannot legally drive until you have a valid license in your possession. If you need to drive before your appointment, you can request a temporary driving permit at the facility, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers temporary permits.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Illinois charges different renewal fees based on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal typically costs $30, and an eight-year renewal typically costs $95. These amounts can change, so check the Secretary of State website for current pricing before you pay. If you're renewing online, you can pay by debit or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order. If you're renewing in person, you can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card.
Some Secretary of State facilities may charge an additional service fee if you're renewing in person and requesting a duplicate license or other services at the same time. Ask about total cost when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the facility.
Timeline: when to expect your new license
Online renewal is the fastest — your new license should arrive within two to three weeks of completing your process. Mail renewal also takes about two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form and payment, so add a few days for postal delivery on both ends. In-person renewal is when ready if the facility issues your license on the spot, though some locations mail licenses instead — ask when you arrive or when you schedule your appointment.
Your current license remains valid until it expires on your birthday, so you can continue to drive while you wait for your new one. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current one has already expired, contact your local Secretary of State facility about a temporary permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
If you've moved within Illinois, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license hasn't expired. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. If you've moved out of Illinois, you'll need to follow that state's renewal process instead.
What if I've changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the facility will take a new photo. You can request a new photo at an in-person renewal even if you're not required to go in person.
What if my vision has changed since my last eye exam?
If you wear glasses or contacts and your vision has changed, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test at the facility. Bring your current glasses or contacts with you. If you've had vision correction surgery, bring documentation from your eye doctor.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Contact the Driver Services division at 217-782-6900 to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.