Where to renew your Illinois driver license
The Illinois Secretary of State's office handles all driver license renewals in the state. You can renew in person at any Driver Services facility, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State website — which option works for you depends on your license type and how much time you have before expiration.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your materials. Online renewal, available for standard licenses only, completes when ready if you meet the requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility, depending on your license type and how soon you need it.
- Online renewal works only for standard driver licenses that are not suspended or revoked, and costs $5 less than other methods.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Secretary of State, taking two to three weeks total.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license, and you can walk in without an appointment.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is a standard driver license that has not been suspended or revoked. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, select "Driver License Services," then "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving record. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee (currently $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license) and receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within two weeks.
Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than three years. It also does not work if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license — you must renew in person for those changes.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most driver licenses and takes longer than online or in-person renewal, but you do not have to leave home. read form DL 43 (Driver License Renewal process) from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request it by mail.
Complete the form, enclose your current driver license, and send both to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license). Do not send cash. The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes two to three weeks. Your new license arrives by mail after approval.
Mail renewal does not work if your license is suspended or revoked. If you need to change your address or other information, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
In-person renewal is the most flexible option because you can handle address changes, name changes, and other updates at the same time. Walk into any Driver Services facility during business hours — no appointment needed. Bring your current driver license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
The facility staff will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and give you a receipt. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within two weeks. The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, and most facilities accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Facilities in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Chicago or other large cities. The Secretary of State website lists all Driver Services facility locations, hours, and current wait times.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must go in person to a Driver Services facility and bring documentation showing the suspension or revocation has been lifted. This might include proof of payment for unpaid tickets, completion of a required course, or a letter from the Secretary of State confirming the suspension is over.
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to find out what documents you need before you visit a facility. Bringing the wrong paperwork wastes a trip, so confirm the requirements first.
What to do if your license expires before your renewal arrives
If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, bring your renewal receipt or confirmation number to a Driver Services facility. Staff can verify that your renewal is in process and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
If you renewed in person, you received a receipt at the facility that serves as a temporary license until your new one arrives. Keep that receipt with you while driving.
Finding a Driver Services facility and checking wait times
The Secretary of State website (cyberdriveillinois.com) has a facility locator that shows every Driver Services office in Illinois, along with hours, phone numbers, and current wait times. Facilities are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Most facilities close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
If you call a facility directly, staff can tell you how busy it is at that moment and suggest a better time to visit. Early morning or late afternoon typically has shorter waits than midday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than three years ago?
No, you cannot renew online if your license expired more than three years ago. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Bring your expired license, a valid ID, and proof of address. The facility will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No, Driver Services facilities operate on a walk-in basis and do not take appointments. You can arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Check the facility's current wait time on the Secretary of State website before you go.
What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?
You can change your address during online renewal if you have not moved since your last license was issued. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, regardless of whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, bring your receipt or confirmation number to a Driver Services facility for a temporary paper license.
What payment methods does the Secretary of State accept?
Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Fees vary by license type and length: four-year licenses cost $30 to $35, and eight-year licenses cost $60 to $65.