How to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

Illinois driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Illinois sends you a renewal notice by mail about two months before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Most people under 69 can renew online or by mail without going to an office. If you are 69 or older, you must renew in person at a facility.

Your renewal type depends on whether your address has changed, whether you want a Real ID-compliant license, and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. The Secretary of State's office maintains a list of which renewal routes are available to you based on these factors.

Key Takeaways

Illinois mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into your Secretary of State account to see your renewal options.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website costs $5 less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 business days to arrive.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the address on the notice; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and payment; you can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.
If you are 69 or older, you must renew in person every two years and cannot use online or mail options.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 69 and your renewal notice says you are may be able to access. You log into your account on the Secretary of State's website using your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee, and submit. The fee is $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.

Your renewed license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expiring license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, change your name, or add a Real ID star to your license during online renewal, you cannot do it online — you must renew in person instead.

Mail renewal when you receive your notice

If your renewal notice says you can renew by mail, you send your current license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. The fee is the same as online renewal: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after processing is complete. Mail renewal works only if your address has not changed and you do not need to update your photo or add Real ID compliance.

In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility

You must renew in person if you are 69 or older, if your renewal notice says in-person renewal is required, or if you need to update your address, name, or photo. You can schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State's website or walk in during open hours, though appointments have shorter wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, one form of valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The renewal fee is $35 for four years or $70 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Real ID compliance and when you need it

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. Illinois began issuing Real ID licenses in 2018. If your current license does not have the star and you want one, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) along with your other documents.

Real ID is not required to drive in Illinois, but you will need it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting in 2025. If you do not add Real ID during your current renewal, you can add it at your next renewal or visit a Secretary of State facility to upgrade your existing license without renewing it.

What to do if you miss your expiration date

If your license expires before you renew, you can still drive for up to 30 days after expiration in Illinois. After 30 days, driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. You can renew a license that expired within one year by using any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person — as long as you were may be able to access for that method before expiration.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your expired license, valid ID, proof of address, and payment. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.

Finding a Secretary of State facility and scheduling an appointment

Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, check hours, and schedule an appointment on the Secretary of State's website. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks. Walk-ins are accepted during all open hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Some facilities are busier than others. Smaller county facilities often have shorter waits than Chicago-area locations. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents. If you walk in, bring everything you need because you cannot leave and come back if you forget something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The Secretary of State's website shows your expiration date and tells you when you become may be able to access to renew. Renewing early does not extend your current license — your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

If you moved, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail. If you moved out of state, you must surrender your Illinois license and obtain a license from your new state.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?

Your renewed license arrives by mail in about 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can drive on your expiring license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and receive a temporary paper license when ready.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the Secretary of State takes a new photo unless you request to keep your existing photo. You can request a new photo at any in-person renewal.

What happens if my renewal notice gets lost in the mail?

You do not need the physical notice to renew. Log into your account on the Secretary of State's website using your driver's license number and date of birth to see your renewal options and renew online. If you cannot access your online account, visit a Secretary of State facility in person to renew.

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.