Renewing your Chicago driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's office in three ways: online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is fastest and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You must renew before your current license expires, and you cannot renew online if you are over 75, have certain medical conditions, or have failed a vision test in the past year.
Chicago residents can visit the Driver Services facility at 121 North LaSalle Street downtown, or use any of the Secretary of State's 92 facilities statewide. Processing times vary: online renewal takes one to two weeks, mail renewal takes three to four weeks, and in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option and costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years if you meet the age and medical requirements.
- You must renew before your license expires; you cannot renew an expired license online and will need to visit a facility in person.
- The downtown Chicago Driver Services office at 121 North LaSalle Street handles renewals without an appointment, though wait times can be long during peak hours.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
- If you have changed your name, address, or vision has changed since your last renewal, you may need to renew in person instead of online.
Online renewal: fastest option if you are under 75
Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in one to two weeks. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The Secretary of State accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments.
You cannot renew online if you are 75 or older, have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, failed a vision test within the past year, or need to change your address or name. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility.
In-person renewal at Chicago Driver Services locations
The main Chicago Driver Services office is located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Suite 300, in the Loop. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. No appointment is needed, but arrive early because wait times often exceed one hour during lunch and late afternoon.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and payment. The cost is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test on site. If you pass, you receive your new license the same day.
If you have moved recently, bring two documents showing your new address: one from your employer, bank, or utility company, and one from a government agency (property tax bill, vehicle registration, or lease). A single document is not enough.
Mail renewal through the Secretary of State
You can renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: you are under 75, have no medical conditions affecting driving, and have not failed a vision test. Request a renewal form by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and selecting "Mail Renewal."
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $30 (four years) or $60 (eight years) payable to the Secretary of State, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before mailing if you have moved.
What happens if your license is already expired
You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will still take a new photo and vision test, and the process is the same as a standard in-person renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to take a written driving test in addition to the vision test. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm what you need to bring before you visit.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. Online and mail renewal will update your address automatically if you provide it during the process. If you are renewing in person, bring two documents showing your new address as described above.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The Secretary of State will issue a new license with your updated name.
Vision test requirements and medical conditions
If you are renewing in person, you will take a vision test at the Driver Services facility at no extra cost. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving—such as seizures, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea—you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. The Secretary of State will notify you if this is needed. Do not assume your condition disqualifies you; contact 217-782-6900 to ask whether you need documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one expires.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewals are processed within one to two weeks. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call 217-782-6900 to check the status.
What if I need to change my photo because I look very different now?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility to take a new photo. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If your appearance has changed significantly, visiting a facility ensures your new license photo is current.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Chicago Driver Services office?
No appointment is needed at 121 North LaSalle Street. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, but expect to wait. Arriving early in the morning or on Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday or lunch hours.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. Visit a Driver Services facility in person with proof of residency and payment. You will receive a replacement license with a new number and your current expiration date. If you also want to extend the expiration date, you can renew at the same time for the standard renewal fee.