Illinois driver's license renewal fees in 2024
The cost to renew your Illinois driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs $30. An eight-year renewal costs $60. You pay the same amount whether you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail.
These are the fees charged by the Illinois Secretary of State's office. If you use a third-party vendor — a currency exchange, grocery store, or other location licensed to handle renewals — they may add a service fee on top of the state fee. That extra charge varies by vendor and location, so ask before you pay.
You cannot renew online in Illinois, even though some states offer that option. Your choices are renewing by mail, at a Secretary of State office, or at an authorized third-party location.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30; an eight-year renewal costs $60, paid to the state regardless of where you renew.
- Third-party vendors like currency exchanges may charge an additional service fee beyond the state fee.
- You can renew by mail, at a Secretary of State office, or at certain third-party locations, but not online.
- If you renew by mail, you must include a new photo, which costs extra if you do not have a recent one taken at a Secretary of State office.
Renewing by mail and photo costs
Mail renewal is the least expensive option if you already have a recent photo on file. You send in your current license, a completed process form (DL 44), and the renewal fee. The Secretary of State uses your existing photo from your last license or ID card.
If you do not have a recent photo on file — for example, if your last license expired more than five years ago — you must provide a new one. You can have a photo taken at any Secretary of State office for $15. Some third-party vendors also take renewal photos, though the price varies. If you go this route, factor in the photo cost plus any vendor service fee on top of the $30 or $60 renewal fee.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. You need to send your materials to the address listed on the renewal notice or the Secretary of State website. Do not send cash; use a check or money order.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office
Renewing at a Secretary of State facility costs the same $30 or $60 as mail renewal, with no additional photo fee — the office takes your photo as part of the renewal process. You bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment.
Wait times at Secretary of State offices vary widely by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others, and peak times (lunch hours, Fridays, the end of the month) tend to have longer lines. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. Some offices offer appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait.
In-person renewal is faster than mail — you walk out with your new license the same day, or within a few days if the office needs to mail it to you.
Third-party vendor renewal and service fees
Currency exchanges, grocery stores, and other licensed vendors throughout Illinois can process driver's license renewals. The state fee remains $30 or $60, but vendors typically charge $5 to $15 on top of that for their service. Some vendors also charge for taking your photo if you need one.
The advantage of using a third-party vendor is convenience — many are located closer to your home or work than the nearest Secretary of State office, and wait times are often shorter. The trade-off is the extra service fee and less certainty about wait times or hours, since vendor locations and schedules vary.
Not all third-party vendors handle all types of renewals. Some may not process eight-year licenses or may have restrictions on who they can serve. Call ahead to confirm they can handle your specific renewal before you go.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Illinois driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or through a third-party vendor. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal, which may involve additional requirements like a vision test or updated documentation.
The cost is still $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, but you should call the Secretary of State office ahead of time to ask what documents to bring. Requirements can vary depending on how long your license has been expired and whether your address has changed.
Payment methods and what to bring
At a Secretary of State office or third-party vendor, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Policies vary by location, so if you have a strong preference, call ahead. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order — the Secretary of State does not accept cash by mail.
Bring your current driver's license to any renewal location. If you are renewing in person, also bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with an outdated address is not accepted as proof of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license online?
No. Illinois does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail, at a Secretary of State office, or at a third-party vendor location. Mail renewal is the only option that does not require you to visit a physical location.
Do I have to pay extra if I renew at a currency exchange instead of the Secretary of State?
Yes. The state fee is the same ($30 or $60), but currency exchanges and other third-party vendors typically charge an additional service fee of $5 to $15. Some also charge separately for taking your photo if you need one.
What if I need my new license before the mail renewal arrives?
You can request a temporary paper license at a Secretary of State office or third-party vendor while your permanent license is being processed. The cost and availability of temporary licenses vary, so ask at the location where you renew.
Is the renewal fee the same if my address changed?
Yes. The renewal fee does not change based on an address change. You pay $30 or $60 depending on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. You will need to provide proof of your new address when you renew.