Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Illinois driver's license or ID card 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 long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you need a new photo.
Before you start, gather your current license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last renewal.
The Secretary of State's website lists all facility locations and hours. Some facilities are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead or checking online for current wait times can help you plan when to go.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is valid, you're between 21 and 69 years old, and you don't need a new photo or address change.
- Mail renewal works for some drivers but requires your current license to be valid and limits how many years you can renew for at once.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
- Processing times vary: online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks, while in-person renewals are completed the same day.
Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses
Online renewal through the Secretary of State's website is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is still valid, you're between 21 and 69 years old, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your information and let you know when ready whether you can proceed. If you can renew online, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.
If the online system tells you that you can't renew that way, it will explain why — usually because your license has expired, you're outside the age range, or you need a new photo. In that case, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: renewing without leaving home
Mail renewal is an option if your current license is valid and you don't need to change your address or get a new photo. You can renew for up to four years by mail, though some drivers can only renew for one or two years depending on their license type and age.
To renew by mail, contact the Secretary of State's office or read the renewal form from their website. You'll fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency with your process.
Mail renewal typically takes one to two weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. There's no way to track your process once you've mailed it, so allow extra time before your license expires. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive — an expired license can result in a traffic ticket even if you've already mailed in your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you're changing your address, you need a new photo, or you're over 69 years old. In-person renewal also applies if you're getting a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time, though most Illinois licenses are already REAL ID-compliant.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll have your photo taken at the facility, and your new license will be ready the same day or within a few days.
The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Fees vary depending on how many years you're renewing for and your age. The Secretary of State's website shows the current fee schedule.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket, even if you've already started the renewal process.
When you renew an expired license in person, you'll follow the same steps as any in-person renewal. The facility staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. Your new license will be issued the same day or shortly after. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing after your license has expired, as long as it expired within a reasonable time frame.
If your license expired more than a year or two ago, contact the Secretary of State's office before you go to a facility to confirm what documents you'll need. In rare cases, very old expired licenses may require additional steps.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot change your address online or by mail — you have to do it in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your current license and proof of residency at your new address dated within the last 60 days.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your name and current address. If you've just moved and don't have a document yet, some facilities will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.
Your new license will show your updated address and will be issued the same day or within a few days. If you move before your license expires, you should update your address as soon as possible — driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you're stopped by police or need to use your license as identification.
Getting a new photo during renewal
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. You cannot request a new photo through online or mail renewal. The photo will be taken at the Secretary of State facility when you arrive for your appointment.
Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in. The photo will be taken against a plain background, and you should look directly at the camera. Glasses are allowed if you normally wear them, but the lenses cannot be tinted. Hats and head coverings are allowed for religious reasons.
If you're renewing online or by mail and your current photo is still acceptable to you, your new license will show the same photo from your previous license. You won't need to have a new photo taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year after your current license would have expired, not one year from the renewal date. This means renewing early doesn't give you extra time.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You'll need to go to a Secretary of State facility in person and bring a police report if your license was stolen. The process is similar to renewal, but you may need additional documents. Contact the Secretary of State's office or visit a facility to find out what you need to bring.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, though some facilities may issue your license within a few days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the facility if your permanent license isn't ready when ready.
What if I renewed online but my license hasn't arrived yet?
Online renewals typically arrive within one to two weeks. If more than two weeks have passed, contact the Secretary of State's office to check the status. You can usually provide your driver's license number and date of birth to look up your renewal. If your license is lost in the mail, the office can reissue it.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required at most Secretary of State facilities, but some locations offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the Secretary of State's website for your local facility to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving during off-peak hours (early morning or mid-week) usually means shorter waits.