Renewing through the Illinois Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) lets you renew your driver's license or ID card online if you meet certain requirements. You do not need to visit a facility in person for most renewals. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Online renewal is available only if your current license or ID is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and your address on file is current. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
You will need your current Illinois driver's license or ID card number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for — typically between $30 and $100.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ilsos.gov works only if your license expired within the last year and has no medical or vision restrictions.
- You need your current license or ID number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
- Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State approves your renewal.
- If your license expired more than a year ago or requires a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Step-by-step process on the ILSOS website
Start by going to ilsos.gov and finding the driver's license renewal section. Click on the link for online renewal. You will be asked to enter your driver's license or ID number and your date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information on file — your name, address, and other details. If anything is incorrect, you can update it during this step. Confirm whether you need to renew your license for 4 years or 8 years (the cost differs). Select your renewal term and proceed to payment.
Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you may need it if you contact the Secretary of State about your renewal status.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Secretary of State reviews your process, usually within 1 to 2 business days. If there are no issues, your renewal is approved and your new card is printed and mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
If there is a problem — for example, if your address cannot be verified or if your photo does not meet standards — the Secretary of State will contact you by email or phone. They will tell you what needs to be corrected and whether you need to visit a facility in person to complete the renewal.
You can continue to drive on your current license while your new card is in the mail. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you have already submitted your renewal.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has been expired for more than one year, online renewal is not available. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
You also cannot renew online if you have medical or vision restrictions on your current license that may have changed, or if you need a new photo. The same applies if you are changing your name or if your license was suspended or revoked. In these cases, you will need to complete your renewal at a facility.
If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the Secretary of State's customer service line or visit ilsos.gov to check your specific situation before starting the process.
Tracking your renewal status
After you submit your online renewal, you can check the status on ilsos.gov using your confirmation number and date of birth. The website shows whether your renewal has been received, approved, or is in production (being printed).
If your status shows "in production," your card is being printed and will ship soon. If it shows "approved," the card is about to enter production. If you do not see a status update within 2 business days, contact the Secretary of State to confirm your process was received.
Fees and payment information
The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing your license for and your age. A 4-year renewal typically costs less than an 8-year renewal. The Secretary of State website shows the exact fee before you pay, so you know the total cost before entering your payment information.
Only debit and credit cards are accepted for online renewal — no cash, check, or money order. The charge appears on your statement within 1 to 2 business days. If your payment is declined, you will see an error message on the website and can try again with a different card.
What to do if your renewal is denied
If the Secretary of State denies your online renewal, they will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include an address that cannot be verified, a photo that does not meet requirements, or a flag on your driving record.
If your renewal is denied, you must complete the process in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring the denial notice, your current license, and any documents the Secretary of State asked for in their email. A staff member will help you finish your renewal at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
After approval, your new card is printed and mailed to your address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. The approval itself usually happens within 1 to 2 business days of submitting your renewal.
Can I renew online if my address has changed?
Yes. You can update your address during the online renewal process. Make sure the new address is correct before you submit, because that is where your new card will be mailed.
What if I do not receive my new license within 10 business days?
Check your renewal status on ilsos.gov using your confirmation number. If the status shows your card has been mailed but you have not received it, contact the Secretary of State customer service line. They can investigate whether the card was lost in the mail and reissue it if needed.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date, even after you have submitted your online renewal. You can continue to drive and use it for identification while your new card is in the mail.
What if my license has been suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your current license and any documents related to the suspension or revocation. A staff member will tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.