Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's online portal without visiting a facility in person. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $95 for an eight-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have a valid email address, and you have not changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal.
If your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. The same applies if you want to add or remove the REAL ID designation, which affects whether your license works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid, your personal information has not changed, and your vision correction status is the same as when you last renewed.
- The renewal fee is $30 for four years or $95 for eight years, paid by credit card or debit card during the online process.
- You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address to start the renewal on the Secretary of State website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you need to change your address, name, or vision correction information, or if your license is expired, you must renew in person instead.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Illinois driver's license, your date of birth, and access to an email address before you begin. You will enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity in the system. The email address you provide will receive a confirmation once your renewal is submitted.
Have a valid credit card or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee. Illinois does not accept checks, cash, or other payment methods for online renewal. If you do not have a card, you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and pay with cash, check, or card.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Secretary of State's online renewal portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. Look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option and select the online renewal link. You will be taken to a page that asks you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information.
Review the information displayed — your name, address, date of birth, and vision correction status. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step. If you notice any errors, stop and renew in person instead, because the online system cannot correct mistakes; it can only renew what is already on file.
Select your renewal term: four years for $30 or eight years for $95. Enter your email address and confirm it. Then enter your payment information. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and a confirmation email. Save both.
What happens after you submit
Your renewal request goes into the Secretary of State's processing queue. You can use your current license normally while you wait. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit.
If you need to check the status of your renewal, return to the Secretary of State website and use your confirmation number. The site will show you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900.
When you cannot renew online
Your license has expired. Online renewal is only for valid licenses. If your license expired more than a few months ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired.
Your name or address has changed. The online system renews only what is currently on file. If you have moved, married, divorced, or changed your name for any reason, you must visit a Secretary of State facility with proof of your new name or address.
Your vision correction needs have changed. If you now wear glasses or contacts when you did not before, or if you no longer need them, you must renew in person so a vision screener can test your eyesight and update your record.
You want to add or remove REAL ID status. REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows your license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Adding or removing this designation requires an in-person visit and additional documentation.
Finding a Secretary of State facility if you need to renew in person
The Secretary of State operates driver services facilities throughout Illinois. Use the facility locator on cyberdriveillinois.com to find the one nearest you, see its hours, and check current wait times. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your time in the office.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address or name if applicable, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you are renewing after your license has expired for more than a certain period, bring your birth certificate as well. The facility staff will tell you what else you need when you call or check the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired last month?
No. Online renewal is only for valid, unexpired licenses. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the written and vision tests.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you submitted your renewal and realized you made an error, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line as soon as possible. Depending on what the error is and how far along your renewal is, they may be able to cancel it and let you start over, or you may need to wait for the license to arrive and then visit a facility to correct it.
Do I need REAL ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not change your REAL ID status. If your current license has REAL ID, your new one will too. If it does not, your new one will not. To add or remove REAL ID, you must renew in person and bring the required documents.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses now but did not when I last renewed?
No. If your vision correction needs have changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person so your eyesight can be tested and your record updated. Bring your glasses or contacts with you to the facility.