Renewing your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State
You can renew your Illinois driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license expires on your birthday. Illinois sends renewal notices about two months before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option if your license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is necessary if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you need to update your photo.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically $5 to $30 for a standard renewal.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method ready before you start any renewal process.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if your license is currently valid and you do not need a new photo. You go to cyberdriveillinois.com, select "Driver License Services," and then choose the renewal option. The system will ask for your driver's license number, last name, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once verified, you review your current information, update your address if it has changed, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you complete the transaction, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You also cannot use online renewal if you want to change your photo, add or remove a REAL ID designation, or update certain personal information like your name or gender marker.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You need to complete Form DL 43, which is the driver's license renewal process. You can read this form from cyberdriveillinois.com or request it by calling the Secretary of State's Driver Services line.
Send the completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the Secretary of State can contact you if there is a problem with your process. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Keep a copy of everything you mail in case questions come up. If your mail gets lost, you will have proof of what you sent. Some people use certified mail for this reason, though it is not required.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You also need an in-person visit if you want a new photo, are changing your name, are updating your gender marker, or are adding or removing REAL ID status.
Find your nearest Secretary of State facility on cyberdriveillinois.com by entering your zip code. Many facilities now use an online appointment system where you can book a time slot in advance. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first, so wait times can be longer if you do not have one.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring payment in the form of cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it by mail or online using the standard process, as long as you do not need a new photo. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and fines. Even if your license is expired, you should renew it as soon as possible. The renewal process does not reset your expiration date to a new birthday — your new license will expire on the same date your old one would have, so you do not lose time by renewing late.
Understanding the renewal fee and payment options
The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long it will be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs around $5 to $10, while an eight-year renewal costs more. REAL ID-compliant licenses may have a different fee. The exact amount can change, so check cyberdriveillinois.com for current pricing before you renew.
You can pay by cash (in person only), check, money order (by mail only), or credit or debit card (online or in person). If you renew by mail, do not send cash — use a check or money order instead. Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
What to do if you need a REAL ID-compliant license
A REAL ID-compliant license is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to add that designation during renewal, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Bring the documents listed in the in-person renewal section above, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The staff will verify your documents and take a new photo. Your new REAL ID-compliant license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license through the Secretary of State. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
After you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you renew in person, the staff processes your process on the spot, and your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. During busy periods, mailing can take longer.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services line with your old address and new address so they can update your mailing address. You can also go to a Secretary of State facility in person and request that your new license be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in Illinois. Some people who live out of state renew by mail or online before their license expires to avoid having to travel back to Illinois.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the other documents required for in-person renewal. The staff will update your name and issue a new license.