Where to renew your Illinois driver's license
You can renew your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website — but not all renewal types work through every channel. The online option is the fastest and most convenient if you meet the requirements, but mail and in-person renewal are available as backups.
The Secretary of State operates about 130 driver services facilities across Illinois, plus mobile units that visit smaller towns on a rotating schedule. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Mail renewal takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your materials — but requires no office visit. Online renewal is usually the fastest option and can be completed in minutes, though you will need to pay the fee by credit or debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois offers online renewal for most drivers, which takes minutes and avoids office visits, but you must meet age and status requirements to use it.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt and works if you cannot visit an office, but requires you to mail original documents and payment.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is required if you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or do not meet online renewal requirements.
- Your renewal important date is printed on your current license, and renewing before it expires prevents a lapsed status that complicates later transactions.
- The renewal fee varies by license type and validity period — a standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
Online renewal requirements and process
Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website is open to drivers who hold a valid license, have no medical restrictions, and are renewing for a standard four-year or eight-year term. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on the license itself.
To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for the renewal fee. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you have changed your address since your last renewal, you must update it through the online system before completing the renewal. The Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address you provide during renewal, so verify it carefully before submitting.
Mail renewal: documents and timeline
Mail renewal requires you to send your current driver's license, a completed process form (DL 44), and payment to the Secretary of State. You can read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website or request it by phone. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.
Mail your materials to the address listed on the form, and keep a copy of everything you send. The Secretary of State typically processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receipt, though processing time can extend during high-volume periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have medical conditions that affect your driving, or do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. You will also need to renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if it expired more than one year ago.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The Secretary of State will take a new photo during your visit. The process usually takes 30 minutes or less, though wait times vary. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Illinois driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and the validity period you choose. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount varies, so check the Secretary of State website or call your local office for current pricing.
You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some Secretary of State offices also accept electronic payment methods — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
If you renew before your license expires, you pay only the standard renewal fee. If your license has already expired, you may face an additional late fee or be required to renew in person rather than by mail or online.
What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives
If you renew online or by mail but your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally while you wait — as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of your mailed process materials with you.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which covers you until your permanent license arrives. Do not drive with an expired license if you have not yet submitted a renewal or if your temporary license has expired.
If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you will need to renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine.
Changing information during renewal
If you need to change your address, you can do so during online renewal by updating it in the system before you submit. For mail or in-person renewal, the Secretary of State will use the address you provide on your process or at the office.
If you need to change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
If you need to add or remove medical restrictions, or if your vision or hearing has changed significantly, you must renew in person. The Secretary of State may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, online and mail renewal are not available if your license expired more than one year ago. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, which you can use to track your order on the Secretary of State website. Keep this number in case you need to follow up.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State with your new address before your license is mailed. If your license has already been mailed to your old address, you may be able to request it be held or reissued to your new address. Call your local Secretary of State office to report the address change.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required at most Secretary of State offices, but some locations offer them to reduce wait times. Check the Secretary of State website to see if your local office accepts appointments and how to book one. Walk-ins are always welcome, though you may wait longer during peak hours.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You must renew in person if you do not have your current license. Bring proof of residency and payment. The Secretary of State will issue a replacement license with a new number. If you need a copy of your old license number for records, ask the office staff — they can look it up in the system.