How to renew your Illinois driver's license after it expires

You can renew your expired Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's office, either online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, but not everyone can use it — the state restricts online renewal to licenses that expired within the last five years and don't require a new photo or medical documentation.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility takes about 30 minutes once you're seen, though wait times vary by location. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time — but you can do it from home.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State's website is available if your license expired within five years and you don't need a new photo.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to start any renewal, whether online or in person.
  • In-person renewal requires a valid ID (passport, military ID, or other state ID) and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must go to a Driver Services facility or mail in your renewal.
  • Renewal fees are $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access for online renewal. If you are, you can complete the entire process on your computer and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a new photo. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the system will tell you that you need to renew in person or by mail instead. Once you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility

Find your nearest Driver Services facility on the Secretary of State's website and check their hours before you go — some locations have limited hours or are closed certain days. You don't need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Bring your expired driver's license, a valid ID (such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), and proof of your current address.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must match on both your ID and your proof of address. If you've recently moved and your ID shows an old address, bring two pieces of proof showing your new address. The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

read the Driver's License Renewal by Mail form (DL 44) from the Secretary of State's website, or call 217-782-6900 to request one. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your expired driver's license and proof of your current address. Mail everything to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($30 for four years or $95 for eight years). Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks for the Secretary of State to process, plus time for your process to arrive and your new license to be mailed back to you. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster. Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process is missing information or documents, the Secretary of State will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process.

What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive while you wait for your plastic license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you don't get a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until your new plastic license arrives.

If you need to drive before your license arrives and you renewed online or by mail, your only option is to go to a Driver Services facility in person and request an expedited replacement. You'll pay an additional fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This is more expensive than standard renewal, so plan ahead if possible.

Special situations: medical conditions, name changes, and address updates

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, such as vision problems or a seizure disorder, you may need to provide medical documentation when you renew. The Secretary of State will notify you if medical forms are required — you cannot renew online if this applies to you. Contact a Driver Services facility or call 217-782-6900 to find out what documentation you need.

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. If you're renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm your current address. If you're renewing in person or by mail, include your new address on the form or tell the staff member at the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you renewed in person, you have a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you must wait for your new plastic license to arrive before driving. If you need to drive when ready, go to a Driver Services facility and renew in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renewed in person, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online or by mail, add time for processing and mailing — typically two to three weeks total from when the Secretary of State receives your process. Certified mail can help you track delivery of your process.

What if I lost my expired license and can't find it?

You can still renew without your expired license. If you're renewing in person, bring another valid ID and proof of address. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll need your driver's license number — if you don't have it, call 217-782-6900 and the Secretary of State can look it up for you using your name and date of birth.

Do I have to renew for eight years, or can I choose four years?

You can choose either a four-year license ($30) or an eight-year license ($95). The choice is yours. Four-year licenses are useful if you expect your address or appearance to change significantly, or if you prefer to renew more frequently.

What happens if I drive with an expired license and get pulled over?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Illinois. You could receive a ticket and a fine. If your license expired more than one year ago, the violation is more serious. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.