What you need before you start
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online through the Secretary of State website if your license is still valid or expired less than a year ago. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
The online renewal process does not require you to visit a facility or take a new photo. Illinois uses your existing photo from your last renewal, so the license you receive will look the same except for the new expiration date.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person and take a new photo. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, or correct any other information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $95 for an eight-year renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
- You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after renewal, which you can use while waiting for the physical card.
Steps to renew online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Next, review your current information on file — your name, address, date of birth, and the license class. If any of this information is incorrect, stop here and visit a Secretary of State facility instead, because you cannot change it online. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen.
Choose your renewal length: four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs $30. The eight-year renewal costs $95. Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your temporary digital license and physical card
After you complete the online transaction, the Secretary of State will send you a temporary digital license to your phone through the Illinois Digital ID app or by email, depending on your account settings. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail.
Your physical driver's license card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address through the Secretary of State website, but your card will be sent to your new address only if you change it before the card ships.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return).
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, legal name, or license class. If you wear corrective lenses and no longer need them, or if you now need them, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to add or remove the REAL ID designation, which allows you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
If you have any suspensions, revocations, or holds on your driving record, the online system will reject your renewal. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what must be resolved before you can renew.
What happens if you renew but your card does not arrive
If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your physical card, check your confirmation email for a tracking number. You can also call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and provide your confirmation number to ask about the status of your card.
In the meantime, your temporary digital license is valid for all driving and identification purposes. You do not need to carry a physical card while you wait. If your card is lost in the mail, the Secretary of State can issue a replacement, though you may be charged a fee.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to may support they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. The new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew, so renewing early does not waste time on your license.
If you renew early and then move, you can update your address online before your card ships. After your card arrives, you do not need to renew again just because you moved — your address is already on file for your next renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if there is any suspension, revocation, or hold on your driving record. You must contact the Secretary of State to resolve the issue first. Call 217-782-6900 or visit a facility in person to find out what must be cleared before you can renew.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew online if your license is lost. You must visit a Secretary of State facility and request a duplicate or replacement license. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. A duplicate costs $5 and takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your last renewal. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. You can also visit a facility to update your photo without renewing your license, though there may be a fee.
Can I renew online if I changed my name?
No. You cannot change your name online. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. The facility will take a new photo and issue your updated license.
What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew?
The system may reject your renewal for several reasons: your license expired more than a year ago, there is a suspension or hold on your record, or your information does not match what is on file. Call 217-782-6900 to find out why you were rejected and what you need to do next.