What you need to do to renew in Illinois
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people under 69 with a valid license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to go to a Secretary of State facility in person. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois residents under 69 can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com if their license expired within the last five years.
- Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your address has changed or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
- Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you cannot visit an office and your license is not expired by more than five years.
- Residents 69 and older must renew in person and may be required to take a vision test.
Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website
To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew a Driver's License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose your license term — four years or eight years.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, your license expired more than five years ago, or you are 69 or older. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are 69 or older, you may also need to pass a vision test.
Secretary of State offices are located in most Illinois counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on cyberdriveillinois.com. Wait times vary by location and time of day. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the Secretary of State
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (DL 44) from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your documents. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If your documents are incomplete or illegible, the Secretary of State will contact you by mail to ask for corrections, which delays the process further.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Illinois driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person and complete a full process, not just a renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study for it using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is available on cyberdriveillinois.com. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and may require a second visit if you do not pass the knowledge test on your first attempt.
Fees and what they cover
Online and mail renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal costs the same amount. These fees are for a standard driver's license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $47.50 for four years or $142.50 for eight years.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional services such as address changes or photo updates done at the time of renewal. If you renew in person and need to update your photo, the office will take a new photo at no extra charge.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
Online renewal is the fastest option. You will receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days of completing your process. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your new license will be valid for the term you chose — four or eight years — from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can check the status of your renewal online at cyberdriveillinois.com if you renewed online or by mail. The system will show you whether your process has been received and processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be an Illinois resident to renew an Illinois driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state instead. You can surrender your Illinois license to the Secretary of State by mail if you want to.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The office will issue you a new license on the spot.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license in Illinois?
No, a standard driver's license is still valid for most purposes. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a Real ID-compliant license. You can choose to upgrade to Real ID when you renew by paying the higher fee. Real ID requires additional proof of identity and residency.
Can I renew my license early before it expires?
Yes. Illinois allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing during a busy season. The new license will be valid for the full term from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.
What if the Secretary of State office is closed when I need to renew?
Check the office's hours on cyberdriveillinois.com before you visit. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. If you cannot visit during regular hours, you can renew online or by mail instead, which do not require you to visit an office.