What to bring when you renew in Illinois
To renew your Illinois driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license to a Secretary of State facility. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has already expired.
Illinois allows most people to renew by mail if their license hasn't been expired for more than two years. If you're renewing in person, you'll visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility — there are about 130 across the state. You cannot renew at a currency exchange or third-party vendor in Illinois; all renewals go through the state directly.
Key Takeaways
- You need your current license, one form of ID, and one proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work.
- If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting an office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update your photo, you must renew in person.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Documents you need for mail renewal
If your Illinois license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail without visiting a Secretary of State office. You'll need to send your current license, a completed process form (DL 44), and payment. The process is available on the Secretary of State website or you can request one by phone at 217-782-6900.
You do not need to provide separate proof of identity or residency for mail renewal — your current license serves as both. Mail your materials to the address listed on the process form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, one document proving your identity, and one document proving your current Illinois address. Your identity document must be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. A Social Security card alone is not enough.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring your lease or a notarized letter from your landlord confirming your address.
You'll also need to bring payment — $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Illinois accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most facilities.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail
You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your photo, change your name, correct your address, or add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid requirements).
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and pass a written test. Non-commercial license renewals in person do not require a test or a new eye exam unless your vision has changed significantly or you're updating your photo for the first time in 16 years.
How to find a Secretary of State office near you
The Secretary of State website has a facility locator where you can search by city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. A few facilities offer Saturday appointments, but you must schedule these in advance.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Chicago or other major cities. If you want to avoid a wait, call the facility ahead of time — staff can tell you how busy they are and may be able to schedule you for a specific time.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed by mail, your new license will arrive in about two to three weeks. If you renewed in person, you'll receive your new license when ready in most cases, though some facilities may mail it to you if there's a processing delay.
Your new license will be valid for four or eight years depending on which option you chose. If you're over 81 years old, your renewal period is shorter — you may need to renew every two or four years, and the Secretary of State will notify you of your specific renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Illinois does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years, or you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. There is no online option.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit. Bring your identity and residency documents, pay the replacement fee (usually $30), and you'll receive a new license with the same expiration date as your old one.
Do I need an eye exam to renew?
No eye exam is required for a standard renewal unless you're updating your photo for the first time in 16 years or your vision has changed significantly. You'll be asked about your vision during the renewal process, and staff may refer you to an eye doctor if needed.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Illinois address on file?
You cannot renew an Illinois license if you no longer live in Illinois. You'll need to get a driver's license in your new state instead. If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than two years.
How much does renewal cost?
A four-year renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60. If you're over 81, your renewal period is shorter and the fee may be different — contact the Secretary of State to confirm your specific cost.