What you need to do to renew in Illinois

Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a REAL ID (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner). If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person.

The state sends renewal notices about two months before your license expires. If you did not receive one, you can still renew without it. Your renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal. The fee does not change based on your age or how long you have held a license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expires within the next two years and is not a REAL ID.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a REAL ID.
  • You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • If you change your name, address, or organ donor status, some changes can be made online while others require an in-person visit.

Renewing online through the Illinois Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, click on the driver services section, and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check).

The system will show you whether your license can be renewed online before you pay. If it cannot — because it is a REAL ID, expired too long ago, or flagged for another reason — the website will tell you and direct you to the next step. Once you complete the online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license expires within two years and is not a REAL ID. You will need to send in three things: your current driver's license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 43), and payment of $30 or $60 depending on the license length you choose.

You can read form DL 43 from the Secretary of State website or request one by calling 217-782-6900. Mail your documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Do not send cash — use a check or money order made out to the Secretary of State.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a REAL ID, or if you want to change your name, address, or other information that online and mail renewal cannot handle. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are renewing a REAL ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a second form of ID. Walk-in service is available at most facilities, but wait times vary. You can check the wait time for your nearest facility on the Secretary of State website before you go. The renewal is completed on the spot, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

What happens if your license has already expired

You can still renew after your expiration date, but the rules change depending on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can still use online or mail renewal. If it expired two years or more ago, you must renew in person and cannot use the online or mail methods.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but that does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date or as soon as you notice it has passed.

Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you are renewing online and only need to update your address, you can do that in the same transaction. Name changes, organ donor status changes, and corrections to your photograph or signature require an in-person visit. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus any documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example.

If you are renewing by mail and need to change information, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask whether your specific change can be handled by mail or whether you need to visit a facility in person. Some changes can be processed by mail if you include the supporting documents, while others cannot.

How to find your nearest Secretary of State facility and check wait times

The Secretary of State operates driver services facilities across Illinois. You can find the one nearest you by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and using the facility locator tool. The website also shows the current wait time at each location, updated throughout the day.

Facilities in larger cities tend to have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait. Some facilities offer appointment scheduling through the website, which reserves your place in line and can cut your wait time significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Illinois will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if you owe money to the Secretary of State. You must pay the debt first. If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding balance, call 217-782-6900 and provide your driver's license number. Once you pay, you can renew when ready.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and address. You will be issued a replacement license at that time, which counts as your renewal.

How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew?

Most new licenses arrive within two weeks of renewal, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. During high-volume periods, it may take up to three weeks. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 80 years old?

Illinois does not have a special renewal process for older drivers based on age alone. However, if you are over 80 and your license is expiring, you may be required to pass a vision test or other screening. The Secretary of State will notify you if additional testing is needed. You can ask about this when you call or visit a facility.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but you must have a valid visa or work authorization document. If you are renewing in person, bring your passport and visa or work permit along with your other required documents. If you are renewing online or by mail, the system will verify your status. If there is a problem, the Secretary of State will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment.