How to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website — but not all renewal types work with every method. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license and your current license is not expired more than a year. If you're renewing in person, you'll need your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, or add a Real ID designation to your license.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license expired less than a year ago.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license to the Secretary of State along with a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you can renew when ready if your license is expired any length of time.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard renewals but require proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and cannot be renewed by mail.
You can check wait times at specific Secretary of State locations on their website before you go in person.

Renewing online through the Illinois Secretary of State

The online renewal process starts at the Illinois Secretary of State website. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if your license expired more than 12 months ago, the system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person or by mail instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information, update your address if needed, choose your license type (standard or Real ID), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License and ID Card (form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at any Secretary of State facility. 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.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to change your name, or if you want to add Real ID status. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

Walk into any Secretary of State facility with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out form DL 44 at the facility, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times for specific facilities on the Secretary of State website before you go.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you're changing your name or address, or if you want to add Real ID status. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID renewal and what it costs

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. The renewal fee is the same as a standard license renewal — $30 for four years or $60 for eight years — but you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID.

You cannot add Real ID status by mail or online. If you want to switch from a standard license to Real ID during renewal, you must go to a Secretary of State facility. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your current license hasn't been expired more than a year.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Illinois driver's licenses come in two validity periods: four years and eight years. A four-year renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60. You choose which length you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Your new license will be valid from the date you renew until the expiration date printed on the card. If you renew before your current license expires, the validity period starts from your renewal date, not from the expiration date of your old license.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must request a duplicate or replacement. This is a different process from renewal and requires going to a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The duplicate fee is typically $5 to $10, depending on how long it's been since your last license was issued.

Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any method (online, mail, or in person) as long as it hasn't been expired for more than a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for two years?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person with your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required at most Secretary of State facilities, but you can check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. Some locations may have longer waits during certain hours or days of the week.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address online during online renewal if you're renewing that way. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll update your address on form DL 44. Address changes are free and happen automatically as part of the renewal process.

Can I renew my license if my name changed?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is the same, but the in-person visit is required.

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.