Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State office, online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, or by mail. The fastest route is usually online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. If you renew online, you will not need to visit an office or mail anything in.
If you cannot renew online, you will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you renew in person at a Secretary of State office, you can also pay cash.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option if your license is not expired and your address and name have not changed.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is that day.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process, plus mailing time both ways.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online or in person.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
Renewing online through the Illinois Secretary of State
To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and click the "Online Services" link. Select "Renew Your Driver's License" and enter your driver's license number and 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 to renew online if your license is not expired, your address and name have not changed, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person or by mail.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you will upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. You then pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office
To renew in person, find the Secretary of State office nearest you on the cyberdriveillinois.com website and check its hours. Some offices take walk-ins, and some require you to book an appointment online. During busy times, offices may stop taking walk-ins and only see people with appointments.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your name or address has changed, bring the documents that show the change. You will have a new photo taken at the office, and you can pay the renewal fee there by cash, check, credit card, or debit card.
Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, but this varies by location and time of day. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the cyberdriveillinois.com website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail the completed process and documents to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash by mail.
The Secretary of State will process your process within two to three weeks of receiving it. Your new license will then be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The total time from mailing your process to receiving your new license is usually four to five weeks.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the same process described above. You cannot renew an expired license online.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you renew in person or by mail. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. Contact your local Secretary of State office to find out when the written test is offered in your area.
Address or name changes during renewal
If your address has changed since your last license, you must report the change when you renew. You can update your address online before you renew, or you can report it when you renew in person or by mail.
If your name has changed, you must renew in person or by mail and bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Illinois driver's license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your current license. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved, whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. Mailing time is not included in this estimate, so add a few more days depending on where you live.
What if I move to a different address after I renew?
You must report your new address to the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving. You can update your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com without renewing your license. Your license itself will not change, but your record will show your current address.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, you can use the photo from your current license or upload a new one. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken at the office. If you renew by mail, you can use the photo from your current license.
What if I lost my current license?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew it online. You will need to renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. Contact your local Secretary of State office for specific requirements.