Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. Before you start, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number.
Illinois lets you renew up to one year before your license expires and up to five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Secretary of State office in person and pass the written test again.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires sending your current license, a completed form, and a check to the Secretary of State.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility takes about 30 minutes and is necessary only if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to change your address or name.
- You must have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, click the "Renew Your Driver's License" button, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to upload a photo of your current license and answer questions about your address and any name changes.
The system will ask you to pay by credit card or debit card. A four-year license costs $30; an eight-year license costs $95. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not need to change your address or name. read form DL 43 from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a photocopy of your current driver's license (both sides).
Write a check or money order for $30 (four-year license) or $95 (eight-year license) and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt, though it is not required. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license.
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must renew in person or online instead, because the mail renewal form cannot process address changes.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your legal name, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves it (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but wait times vary. Check cyberdriveillinois.com for the facility nearest you and its current wait time. Bring a recent photo ID if your driver's license photo is too old to recognize you. The renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will be asked to pass the written test before renewal is processed. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Illinois traffic laws. You can study using the official Illinois Driver's Manual, available free on the Secretary of State website.
What happens if your license expires while you are waiting for the new one
If you renewed online or by mail and your old license expires before the new one arrives, you can still drive legally. The confirmation email or receipt from your renewal counts as proof that you have renewed. Print it or keep it on your phone and carry it with your expired license.
Police understand that mail processing takes time. If you are stopped, show both your expired license and your renewal confirmation. If you renewed in person, the temporary paper license they give you is valid for 30 days, which covers the time until your permanent license arrives.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your legal name, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that proves it.
The facility will update your address and name in the system, take a new photo, and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your new license with the updated information will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you have moved out of state, you will need to renew your license in person at a Secretary of State facility before you can renew by mail or online again.
Costs and payment methods
A four-year Illinois driver's license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $95. These are the only two options available for renewal. You cannot choose a shorter term. If you renew online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew in person, the facility accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or duplicate licenses ordered at the same time as renewal. If you need a replacement license before your renewal arrives, you can order a duplicate at any Secretary of State facility for $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No, not by mail or online. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You will be required to pass the written test before your license is renewed. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks for delivery. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. You can drive on your old license or the temporary license during this time.
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current address and your name. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the system uses your current license photo. If you renew in person, the facility takes a new photo. You cannot bring your own photo for any renewal method.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of the document yet?
You cannot renew until you have the certified document in hand. Contact the court, vital records office, or government agency that issued the original document (marriage license, divorce decree, or court order) and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks. Once you have it, you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.