The fastest way to renew in Illinois
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the quickest option — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $30, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver Services facility in person. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $30. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card in 7 to 10 business days — but requires a trip to a facility and may involve a wait.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent card in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your address has changed, you cannot renew online and must renew by mail or in person.
- All renewal methods cost $30 for a standard four-year license.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions.
Once you complete the form and pay the $30 fee with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail
read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website or request one by calling 217-782-6900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $30 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If your address has changed, mail renewal is one of your two options — the other is in-person renewal.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest Driver Services facility at cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your zip code. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and $30 in cash or card. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day — arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait.
When you reach the window, the clerk will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address instead of proof of your old one.
What happens if your license is expired more than one year
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 12 months. You must renew by mail or in person. The process is the same — you'll need the same documents and pay the same $30 fee — but you are no longer may be able to access for the streamlined online path.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, some Driver Services facilities may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before issuing your new license. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm what your local facility requires before you visit.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal cannot process name changes.
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail using the DL 44 form and proof of your new address, or in person by bringing proof of residency at your new address. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your permanent license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is fastest — you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State before you can renew. Call 217-782-6900 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
What if I don't have proof of residency for in-person renewal?
You can renew by mail instead, which does not require proof of residency — only your current license, the DL 44 form, and payment. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as you had glasses or contacts restrictions on your previous license and have not changed. If you need to add or remove a restriction, you must renew in person so the clerk can verify your vision.
What if my license was lost or stolen instead of just expired?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license — you must replace it. Replacement is a different process with different forms and fees. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com for replacement instructions.