Illinois driver's license renewal through the Secretary of State
Illinois driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age and license type. The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) handles all renewals, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 business days to receive your renewed license by mail, and you can start the process from home.
Not everyone can renew online. You must have a valid Social Security number on file, a current Illinois address, and a license that is not suspended or revoked. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead. The ILSOS website lets you check your may be able to access before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ILSOS website is available if your license is not expired by more than one year and your driving record is clear.
- The online process costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal, payable by credit or debit card.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in about 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver Services facility in person, though in-person visits require an appointment.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete any renewal.
Online renewal: the fastest path
To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system checks whether you are may be able to access; if you are, it will show you the renewal fee and ask you to confirm your address.
Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. After you pay, you receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license is printed and mailed to the address on file. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. The ILSOS estimates 10 business days for delivery, though it may arrive sooner or take longer depending on mail volume and your location.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it will explain why — usually because your license is expired by more than one year, your record shows a suspension, or your address cannot be verified. In those cases, you must use mail or in-person renewal.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is slower but requires no appointment and no visit to a facility. read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the ILSOS website, or request one by calling 217-782-6900. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and Social Security number.
Mail the completed form 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. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the ILSOS to return your old license. Processing time for mail renewals is typically four to six weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the tracking number from your mailing receipt. If your renewal does not arrive within the stated timeframe, you can call the ILSOS to check the status using that information.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
You can renew in person at any of the 122 Driver Services facilities across Illinois. Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator to find the office nearest you and check its hours. All facilities now require appointments; you cannot walk in without one. Book your appointment online through the same website, or call 217-782-6900 to schedule by phone.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. The renewal fee is the same as online: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license is issued on the spot, though the physical card is mailed to you within 10 business days.
In-person renewal is useful if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license. It is also the only option if your license has been suspended or revoked, because the system must verify that the suspension has been lifted before renewal can proceed.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. The fee applies regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewal accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Some facilities may accept additional payment methods; call ahead if you have questions about payment options at your chosen location. Fees are non-refundable once your renewal is processed.
What to do if your license has expired by more than one year
If your Illinois driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility, a new process form (Form DL 1), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process is more involved than renewal and takes longer.
You will also need to pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test and driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired. Contact the ILSOS or visit a facility to learn the specific requirements for your situation.
Checking your renewal status
If you renewed online or by mail and want to check whether your new license has been processed, call the ILSOS at 217-782-6900. Have your confirmation number (for online renewals) or your mailing receipt tracking number (for mail renewals) ready. You can also check the status through the ILSOS website if you renewed online.
If your renewal was processed more than 10 business days ago and you have not received your license, contact the ILSOS when ready. Occasionally licenses are lost or delayed in the mail, and the ILSOS can issue a replacement or investigate the delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
Yes. Your current license remains valid for driving until it expires or until your new license arrives, whichever comes first. You do not need to stop driving while your renewal is being processed.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
Online renewal uses the address currently on file with the ILSOS. If you have moved, update your address through the ILSOS website before you renew online, or renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Mail renewal also uses your current address on file, so update it first if it is incorrect.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the ILSOS or visit a Driver Services facility to learn what is required to lift the suspension. Once it is cleared, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
How do I know if I am may be able to access to renew online?
The ILSOS website has an may be able to access checker. Enter your license number and date of birth, and the system will tell you whether you can renew online. If you cannot, it will explain why and direct you to the correct renewal method.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the ILSOS with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. The ILSOS can issue a replacement license or correct the information. There may be a replacement fee depending on the circumstances.