Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State facility, online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, or by mail. The online option is the fastest if you're renewing before your license expires — you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and payment. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the facility. Walk-in appointments are available, but you can also schedule one online to reduce wait time.
Renewing by mail takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks — and requires you to mail in your current license along with a completed process form (DL 44). You can read this form from the Secretary of State website or request it by phone.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is fastest and requires only your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks and requires you to send in your current license with a completed DL 44 form.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 3 to 4 weeks for mail renewal.
When you can renew online versus in person
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your address, name, or other information on the license itself. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person or by mail. The same applies if you need to update your address — you'll have to go to a Secretary of State facility or mail in your process.
In-person renewal is also required if you're over 81 years old, because Illinois requires an in-person vision test for drivers in that age group. If you've had any medical conditions or suspensions on your record, the Secretary of State may also require you to renew in person.
The cost and how long it takes
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $30. An eight-year renewal costs $60. You can choose which term you want when you renew, whether online, in person, or by mail. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online; in person, you can also pay with cash or check.
Online renewal is the fastest option — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is when ready in the sense that you leave with a temporary paper license that day, but your plastic card arrives by mail within the same 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes the longest at 3 to 4 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you'll need to take the written test and vision test again, and you'll need to provide proof of residency and citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it through the mail or in person. You cannot renew online once your license has expired. Bring your expired license to a Secretary of State facility, or mail it in with your process form.
Renewing if you've moved or changed your name
If you've moved to a new address in Illinois, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal won't let you change your address. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) to a Secretary of State facility, or include a copy with your mail process.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll also need to renew in person or by mail. Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of residency.
Finding a Secretary of State facility near you
The Secretary of State operates driver services facilities across Illinois. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Many facilities are in county courthouses or standalone state buildings in larger towns and cities.
If you live in a rural area far from a facility, mail renewal or online renewal (if you're may be able to access) may be your most practical option. Some facilities also offer evening or Saturday hours, which you can check on the website before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State before you can renew. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Illinois address — typically a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you don't have one of these, contact the Secretary of State to ask what other documents they will accept.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Walk-ins are accepted at all Secretary of State facilities, but scheduling an appointment online reduces your wait time. You can schedule an appointment on the Illinois Secretary of State website for any facility near you.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Secretary of State when ready with a photo of the damage or the error. They can issue a replacement license, usually at no additional cost if the error was their mistake.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
You can renew by mail from anywhere. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, mail it with your current license and payment, and your new license will be sent to your Illinois address or the address you provide on the form.