Where to renew and what you need before you start
In Illinois, you renew your driver's license at a Secretary of State facility — either in person or online, depending on your situation. The online route is faster if you're may be able to access: you can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a facility, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Before you go or log in, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last license, bring the residency proof. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you have not had any violations or medical suspensions in the past eight years.
- Online renewal costs $30 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person renewal costs $30 and takes about 30 minutes at a Secretary of State facility.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
- If you have had a suspension, revocation, or medical hold, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
- The Secretary of State website lets you check your driving record and find the facility nearest you before you go.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You are may be able to access if your license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have no medical holds or restrictions, and you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past eight years. If you are may be able to access, you will pay $30 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to renew in person. This happens most often if you have had a suspension, a medical hold, or a violation in the past eight years, or if your address or name has changed and you do not have the right documents to verify the change online.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
Find your nearest facility on the Secretary of State website by entering your ZIP code. Some facilities take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online. Check the facility's page before you go, because the policy varies by location. If slots are full, you can usually book one for a later date or try a different facility nearby.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your name or address has changed, bring the document that proves the change. You will fill out a form, have your photo taken, and pay $30. The new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive with it right away — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive by mail.
Wait times depend on the facility and the time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than late afternoon or Saturday. If you are renewing because your license is about to expire, plan ahead rather than waiting until the last week.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you have to reapply for a new one. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just renew. The process is longer and costs more than renewal.
To avoid this, renew before the expiration date on your license. Illinois lets you renew up to one year early, so you have a wide window. If your license has been expired for less than a year, you may still be able to renew rather than reapply — call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask about your specific situation.
Renewing a license with a different name or address
If you have moved, update your address when you renew. Bring a piece of mail or a utility bill dated within the past 60 days that shows your new address. If you have married, divorced, or changed your name through a court order, bring the certified document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name-change order. You can renew online if you have these documents and can upload them, or in person by bringing the originals.
If you are renewing online and the system will not let you upload your documents, renew in person instead. Bring the originals to a Secretary of State facility, and staff will verify them and process your renewal on the spot.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
A commercial driver's license cannot be renewed online — you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a medical certificate (CDLIS form) if your CDL requires one. The cost is $30, and the new license is printed on the spot.
If your CDL has been suspended or revoked, or if you have had a medical hold, you will need to clear that before you can renew. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot renew it — you have to reapply and take the written and driving tests again. Renew before the expiration date. Illinois lets you renew up to one year early, so you have time to do it without rushing.
How long does online renewal take?
The process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your old license until the new one arrives.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You need a document dated within the past 60 days that shows your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you do not have one, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask what else they will accept.
Do I have to renew in person if my address changed?
Not necessarily. If you are renewing online, you can upload a photo of your proof of residency. If the system will not accept your upload, you can renew in person instead and bring the original document.
What if I have a suspension or medical hold on my license?
You cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, and you may need to clear the suspension or hold first. Call 217-782-6900 to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.