Renewing your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through three routes: online at sos.illinois.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. If you cannot renew online, the mail option is slower but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary only if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or address beyond what the online system allows.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age. Illinois sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not need to wait for the notice — you can renew any time within one year before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten your license's validity; your new expiration date is calculated from your current one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at sos.illinois.gov is the fastest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license.
- You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal is available if you meet the same conditions as online renewal, but takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address or update your photo.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and your new expiration date is based on your current expiration date, not the date you renew.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to sos.illinois.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option on the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, verify that your address has not changed, and confirm that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
After you submit your information and payment, the Secretary of State mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your address since your last renewal, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Request a mail renewal form by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visiting a Secretary of State facility in person. You can also read the form from sos.illinois.gov if it is available for your situation. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (payable to "Secretary of State"), and mail everything to the address printed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because the Secretary of State must receive and process your materials. After they receive your packet, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days, and then they mail your new license to you. The total time from when you mail your materials to when you receive your license is usually 2 to 3 weeks.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be suspended or revoked, your address cannot have changed, and you cannot need a new photo. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
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 payment. Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Bring a check, money order, or debit/credit card for payment.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if you want a new photo. The Secretary of State will take a new photo during your visit. Processing is when ready for the temporary digital license, which you receive via email. Your physical license is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at Secretary of State facilities vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on sos.illinois.gov before you go. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Check the facility's hours and appointment policy before you visit.
Understanding the renewal fees
Illinois driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $30 online or by mail, and an eight-year license costs $95 online or by mail. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility costs $30 for four years or $95 for eight years, plus a $5 facility fee, making the total $35 or $100.
The fee you pay does not depend on your age or how long you have held your license. All drivers pay the same rate. If you renew online or by mail, you avoid the $5 facility fee, which is why those methods are slightly cheaper.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Before you go, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The steps to clear a suspension or revocation vary depending on the reason, so calling ahead will tell you exactly what documents to bring and what fees you owe.
Once your suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew in person at any Secretary of State facility. Bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted, along with your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. Illinois allows you to renew your license up to five years after it expires. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to renew in person rather than online or by mail. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to confirm whether you can use the online or mail method for your situation.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
You receive a temporary digital license via email when ready after you complete your online renewal. Your physical license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the digital license right away while you wait for the card.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The Secretary of State will update your address during your visit.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license any time within one year before it expires. Your new expiration date will be four or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew, so renewing early does not give you extra time.
What payment methods does the Secretary of State accept?
Online and mail renewal accept checks or money orders (by mail) or Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover (online). In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, money orders, debit cards, and credit cards. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm payment methods at your specific facility.