You can renew online if your license is not expired more than a year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license through its online system without visiting a Secretary of State facility. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your current license expired more than one year ago, if you have an active medical suspension on your record, if you changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you need to update your photo. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
The online renewal system is run by the Illinois Secretary of State and is separate from the REAL ID upgrade process. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring documents proving your identity and residence.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical suspensions or name and address changes since your last renewal.
- The renewal costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail after you complete the online form.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal.
- If you need a new photo, changed your name or address, or have an active medical suspension, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office instead.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by going to the Illinois Secretary of State website and finding the driver's license renewal section. Look for the link labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online." You will be taken to a find form where you enter your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity against the Secretary of State's records.
After verification, you review your current information on file: your name, date of birth, address, and vision restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you proceed to the payment screen. You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The system does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
Once payment is processed, you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save this confirmation — you may need it if there are questions about your renewal. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What information and documents you need before starting
Gather your current Illinois driver's license before you begin. You will enter the license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number into the online form. Have your credit or debit card ready for the $30 or $60 payment.
You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo for online renewal. The system uses the photo and information already on file with the Secretary of State. If your address or name has changed since your last renewal, you cannot use the online system and must visit a Secretary of State office in person.
When your renewed license arrives and what to do if it does not
Your new license is mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State within 7 to 10 business days of completing your online renewal. Mail delivery times vary by location, so allow up to two weeks from the date you renew before contacting the Secretary of State if you have not received it.
If your license does not arrive after two weeks, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900. Have your confirmation number from your online renewal ready. They can check the status of your license and remail it if needed. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, you can request a replacement at the same number.
Situations that require in-person renewal instead
If your current license expired more than one year ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. You must visit a Secretary of State office and renew in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a valid payment method.
If you have a medical suspension on your driving record, you cannot renew online. Medical suspensions are placed by the Secretary of State when a doctor reports a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or when you fail a vision or medical screening. You must visit an office in person and may need to provide medical clearance before your license is renewed.
If you changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you moved to a different address, you also must renew in person and bring proof of your new residence.
How to find your driver's license number if you do not have your card
If your current license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online because the system requires your license number for verification. You must visit a Secretary of State office to report the loss and renew your license in person.
If you straightforward cannot locate your license but still have it, you can call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and provide your name and date of birth. They can look up your license number in their system and give it to you over the phone. Once you have the number, you can proceed with online renewal.
Cost and payment options for online renewal
Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. These are the same prices charged for in-person renewal. The Secretary of State accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for online payment. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a receipt by email.
There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to renewing in person. If you need a duplicate license or a replacement due to damage, those services have separate fees and must be handled at a Secretary of State office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason — including unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, or medical suspensions — the online system will not allow you to renew. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you may need to resolve those before renewal is possible.
What happens if I renew online but my license arrives with the wrong information?
Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 with your confirmation number and details about the error. They can issue a corrected license and mail it to you. Do not attempt to correct the information yourself on the card. If the error is significant, you may be able to request a replacement at no additional charge.
Can I renew online if I need to change my vision correction or add an endorsement?
No. Online renewal only updates your existing information. If you need to add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial driving privileges) or update vision restrictions, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring any required medical documentation or test results.
How long can I drive on my old license while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your current license until it expires or until your new license arrives, whichever comes first. Since online renewal is only available if your license has not expired more than one year ago, your current license should still be valid. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
Can I renew online if I am out of state or out of the country?
Yes. The online renewal system is available to anyone with a valid Illinois driver's license, regardless of where they live. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved and need to update your address, you must renew in person or contact the Secretary of State to update your address before renewing online.