Where and how to renew your Illinois driver's license
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 whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
Online renewal through eLicense is the fastest option if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo. You'll 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 your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal works if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You'll complete the DL 44 form, include your current license, a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus mail time.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your address. You'll bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Walk-in service is available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through eLicense is available only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal works for licenses expired fewer than five years ago and takes 2 to 3 weeks plus mail time.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're updating your address.
- The renewal fee in Illinois is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license, depending on your age and license type.
- You can schedule an appointment at a Driver Services facility online to avoid waiting in line.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID from another state or country is not sufficient for address verification.
You'll also need payment. Illinois accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at Driver Services facilities. The fee depends on your age and the license term you choose: $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license. Seniors over 81 pay a reduced fee of $10 for a four-year license.
If you're renewing after your license has expired by more than five years, bring the expired license itself. The Secretary of State's office uses it to verify your identity and pull your driving record.
Online renewal through eLicense
To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select the eLicense option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies this information against the Secretary of State's records before allowing you to proceed.
Online renewal is limited to drivers whose licenses are still valid and who don't need a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, the system will direct you to renew in person. If you want to update your photo before expiration, you must renew in person as well.
After you complete the online form and pay the $30 or $95 renewal fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license is printed and mailed to the address on file. If you've moved recently, update your address in person or by mail before renewing online, because the new license will be sent to your registered address.
Mail renewal process and timeline
To renew by mail, read or request the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State's website. Complete the form, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee ($30 or $95) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The Secretary of State's office does not process mail renewals for expired licenses because they cannot verify your identity without a current photo ID.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. If you need your renewed license quickly, in-person renewal is faster. If you're mailing from outside Illinois, add extra time for postal delivery.
Renewing after your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. The Secretary of State treats licenses expired beyond five years as lapsed rather than straightforward expired, which requires identity verification that only in-person renewal provides.
When you renew an expired license in person, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You'll also need to pass a vision test. The facility will take a new photo for your renewed license.
If your license has been expired for many years and you're unsure whether you still hold a valid driving record, call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 before you go in. They can tell you whether your record is still active or whether you'll need to retake the written test as well.
Finding a Driver Services facility and scheduling an appointment
Illinois has Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Secretary of State's website at cyberdriveillinois.com. The site lists all facilities by county and shows which ones offer appointment scheduling.
Scheduling an appointment online reduces your time at the facility. Go to the website, select your preferred location and date, and choose a time slot. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-in service, though some facilities may have limited appointment availability during peak renewal periods.
If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or mid-week if possible. Facilities are busiest on Fridays and near the end of the month. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait, especially if you need a new photo or are updating your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal through eLicense is available only if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew by mail (if it expired fewer than five years ago) or in person at a Driver Services facility.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?
Your renewed license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. Mail delivery time varies depending on your location. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Driver Services facility and request a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
What if I've moved since my last license was issued?
If you're renewing online, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. Update your address before you renew online, or renew in person and bring proof of your new address. If you renew by mail, include a note with your new address so the office updates your record.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. A new photo is required if your license expired more than five years ago, regardless of which renewal method you choose.
What happens if I let my license expire for more than five years?
Your driving record remains on file, but your license is considered lapsed rather than straightforward expired. You must renew in person and pass a vision test. Depending on how long it's been expired, you may also need to retake the written test. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what tests you'll need before you go in.