Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your name or address since your last renewal.
Before you start, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring legal documentation of that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing after your license has expired, you may need additional documents depending on how long it's been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you're not changing your name or vision correction status.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works only if your license is still valid and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license is expired, you've moved, or you need to update your photo or vision information.
- Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a standard four-year license, and you'll need to pass a vision screening if you renew in person.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, your address hasn't changed, you're not changing your name, and your vision correction status hasn't changed. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. The online system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access. If you proceed, you'll pay the $30 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must not be expired, your address must not have changed, you cannot be changing your name, and your vision status must be the same. If you meet these conditions, you can request a renewal form from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to have one mailed to you.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $30 payable to the Secretary of State, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the mail is lost.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you've moved to a new address, you're changing your name, or you need to update your photo or vision information. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and any legal documents related to name changes. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the facility.
Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on their website and check their hours before you go — some locations have limited hours or are closed on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Bring the $30 renewal fee in cash or card. The new license is usually issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the photo processing takes longer.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it using the standard process — online, by mail, or in person. If it's been expired for more than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test in some cases.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could receive a ticket. If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, carry a copy of your online renewal confirmation or your mailed renewal form as proof that you've started the process.
Updating your photo or vision information
You cannot update your photo online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. The same applies if your vision has changed and you now need or no longer need corrective lenses, or if you want to update your vision prescription information. During your in-person visit, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision screening. The vision screening is not a full eye exam; it tests whether you can see well enough to drive safely.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them to your in-person appointment. The vision screening will be done with your correction in place. If you fail the vision screening, the Secretary of State will not issue your license until you provide a vision report from an eye doctor showing that you meet Illinois vision standards.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Online renewal typically takes about two weeks from the time you complete your process. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from when the Secretary of State receives your envelope. In-person renewal usually results in an when ready temporary license, with your permanent license arriving by mail within one to two weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you've recently moved and updated your address during renewal, your new license will go to your new address. If you haven't updated your address yet, it will go to your old address, so plan accordingly. You can track the status of your renewal on the Secretary of State website using your driver's license number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspended license?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. If you have unpaid traffic tickets, you may need to resolve those before your license can be renewed.
What if I've changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change. Bring the original document or a certified copy to your appointment at a Secretary of State facility.
Do I need a new license if I just moved to Illinois from another state?
Yes. An out-of-state license is not valid in Illinois. You'll need to explore for an Illinois license, not renew your existing one. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision screening. You do not need to take a driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
How long does my renewed license last?
Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. Your new license will expire four years after you renew it. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
The Secretary of State will contact you by mail if there's a problem with your process. Common reasons for rejection include missing documents, an address that couldn't be verified, or a vision screening failure. Follow the instructions in the rejection letter to correct the issue and resubmit your process or visit a facility in person.