What you pay to renew your Illinois driver's license
An Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30 if you renew by mail or online, or $35 if you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. The in-person fee is higher because it includes the cost of the photograph taken during your visit. If you renew online or by mail, you use your existing photo from your previous license.
These are the base renewal fees as of 2024. Illinois does not charge different amounts based on how long your new license will be valid — whether you get a four-year or six-year license, the fee stays the same. The state does occasionally adjust these fees, so confirm the current amount on the Secretary of State website before you send payment.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you may face additional fees or be required to renew in person. Those situations fall outside a standard renewal and carry different costs.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewals cost $30; in-person renewals cost $35 because they include a new photograph.
- The fee does not change based on whether your new license is valid for four or six years.
- You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on which renewal method you choose.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year or you need to change personal information, you cannot use the standard renewal process and will likely pay more.
How payment works for each renewal method
If you renew online through the Secretary of State's online renewal portal, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process. The system processes your payment when ready, and you receive a confirmation number. You do not mail a check or pay in advance.
If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order payable to the "Secretary of State" along with your renewal process form and supporting documents. Do not send cash. The Secretary of State's office processes your check when they receive your process, which typically takes one to two weeks after they open your envelope.
If you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card at the counter. The staff member will tell you the exact amount due, take your payment, and provide a receipt. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to your address.
When you might pay more than the standard renewal fee
If your current license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it through the standard process. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which costs more and requires an in-person visit. A new license process costs $35 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license, plus you must pay for a new photograph and pass a vision test.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license during renewal, you can still use the standard renewal process and pay the standard fee — the change does not trigger additional charges. However, if you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, you must provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court document, which you obtain separately from the county clerk.
If you need to add or remove a restriction code (such as corrective lenses required), you may need to visit a facility in person and pay the in-person renewal fee of $35 instead of the mail or online fee of $30. Call the Secretary of State's customer service line to confirm whether your specific change requires an in-person visit.
How to pay if you renew online
The Secretary of State's online renewal system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card information directly into the find portal after you fill out your process. There is no additional processing fee for paying by card online — you pay only the $30 renewal fee.
The online system does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you cannot renew online and must choose mail or in-person renewal instead.
How to pay if you renew by mail
Write your check or money order for the correct amount — $30 for a standard renewal — and make it payable to "Secretary of State". Do not write "Illinois" or "State of Illinois" on the check; the Secretary of State is the correct payee name. Include your check in the envelope with your process form and any required documents.
Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the Secretary of State's renewal form. Processing times vary, but the office typically receives and processes mail within two to three weeks. If your check is lost in the mail, the Secretary of State will contact you, and you can stop payment on the original check and send a replacement.
What happens if you pay the wrong amount
If you send a check for less than $30 (or $35 for in-person), the Secretary of State will return your process and ask you to resubmit with the correct payment. Your process will not be processed until the full fee is received. This delay can push your renewal timeline back by several weeks.
If you overpay — for example, if you send $40 instead of $30 — the Secretary of State will not issue a refund. The extra money is kept as payment toward your renewal. If you are concerned you may have overpaid, contact the Secretary of State's customer service to confirm the amount was applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?
No. The Secretary of State does not offer payment plans for license renewals. You must pay the full fee upfront, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you will need to wait until you have the funds available.
Do I have to pay the in-person fee if I renew online but then visit a facility to pick up my license early?
No. If you renew online and pay the $30 fee, you do not pay an additional fee when you pick up your license in person. The $35 in-person fee applies only if you complete the entire renewal process in person at a facility.
What if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with an error?
Contact the Secretary of State to report the problem. If the error is the state's fault, they will reissue your license at no charge. If the damage occurred after you received it, you may need to pay a replacement fee, which is typically $20 to $25 depending on the type of replacement.
Is there a fee to renew my license if I am over 65?
No. Illinois does not offer a reduced or free renewal fee for seniors. All drivers pay the same $30 (online or mail) or $35 (in person) renewal fee regardless of age. However, drivers over 87 must renew in person and may be required to pass a vision test.
Can I pay by phone if I renew by mail?
No. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. The Secretary of State does not accept phone payments for mail renewals. You can only pay by phone if you renew in person at a facility.