Renewing your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired by more than a year and you meet a few basic requirements. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home. If you prefer mail or need to renew in person, those routes are also available, though they take longer.
Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired (if at all), and whether you want to make changes like a new address or different name. Most people renewing a standard driver's license for the first time can use the online system. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $95 for a four-year license or $148 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- You need a valid Social Security number, your current license number, and a recent address on file with the Secretary of State to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order to the Secretary of State.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you need to change your name or address.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal, or you can receive it when ready at an office visit.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State website lets you renew at cyberdriveillinois.com under the "Driver Services" section. Click "Renew Your Driver's License" and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than one year ago. You also cannot use this method if you need to change your name, address, or vision correction status. If any of those explore, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, 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.
Renewing by mail with a paper form
To renew by mail, read or request the form DL 44 from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. The fee is the same as online renewal: $95 for four years or $148 for eight years.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You should allow extra time for postal delivery on both ends. During this period, you can still drive on your current license. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.
Use mail renewal if you prefer not to go online or if you do not have a debit or credit card. However, if your license expired more than one year ago, the mail method will not work — you must visit an office in person.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Bring payment in cash, check, or card. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, or if you need to update your name, address, or vision correction information. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office. Your new license is usually ready to take home the same day, though some offices mail it instead — ask when you arrive.
To find the office nearest you and check current hours, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and search for "Driver Services locations." Some offices have longer waits than others, so calling ahead can help you plan.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current Illinois driver's license ready. You will also need your Social Security number and the address currently on file with the Secretary of State. If you are renewing online, you will enter these details into the form. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring documents that prove your identity and residency.
Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. If your address has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the new address. If you are renewing in person and need a vision correction change, the office will test your vision on site.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Illinois driver's license renewal costs $95. An eight-year renewal costs $148. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only. Mail renewal accepts check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, card, or money order.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, write your check or money order to "Secretary of State" and include it in the same envelope as your form and current license.
Timeline for receiving your new license
Online and mail renewals result in your new license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State processes your request. In-person renewal is faster — you usually receive your license the same day, though some offices mail it to you instead. Ask the staff member which option applies at your location.
You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until the new one is issued, so there is no gap in your driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, online and mail renewal only work if your license expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired longer, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The office or mail form will let you enter the updated address.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
For online and mail renewal, your existing photo is used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office, where a new photo will be taken during your visit.
What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State to report it lost and request a duplicate. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. You will need to pay a separate fee for the duplicate, and it will be mailed to you or available for pickup at an office.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
The Secretary of State may suspend your license if you owe certain court-ordered debts. Check your status on the cyberdriveillinois.com website before attempting to renew. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying debt before renewal is possible.