Where to renew your license in Chicago
In Chicago, you renew your driver's license at a Secretary of State facility, not at a city office. The closest location to you depends on where you live or work. The main downtown Chicago facility is at 17 North State Street, but there are also branch offices on the South Side, Northwest Side, and Southwest Side. You can find the full list of locations and their hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than a year, you must be renewing for the first time (not a second or later renewal by mail), and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that have changed. If you may have access to, you can read the mail-in form from the Secretary of State website and send it with your current license, a check or money order, and a new photo.
Online renewal is available for some drivers through the Secretary of State's website, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions. Check the website to see if you are may be able to access before you visit in person.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago driver's licenses are renewed at Secretary of State offices, with multiple locations across the city and suburbs.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.
- Mail-in renewal is an option only if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no changes to medical or vision restrictions.
- Your renewed license is valid for four years if you are under 69 years old, or two years if you are 69 or older.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current Illinois driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your address on it also works.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that shows the legal change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have lost your current license, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed by you saying it is lost.
Bring a payment method: cash, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license if you are under 69, or $20 for a two-year license if you are 69 or older. Bring your Social Security number as well — you will need to provide it when you explore.
How to prepare for your visit
Check the Secretary of State website for wait times at the location you plan to visit. Some offices have longer waits on certain days of the week; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines. You can also schedule an appointment at some locations through the website, which can save you time.
Bring a recent photo if you want to use your own instead of having one taken at the office. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your full face. If you do not bring a photo, one will be taken at the office at no extra cost.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to your appointment. The vision test at renewal is the same as for a new license, and you need to pass it to keep your license valid. If you have failed a vision test in the past or have concerns about your eyesight, consider getting an eye exam before you go.
What happens during your renewal appointment
When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents, confirm your address and name, and ask about any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer these questions honestly — they determine whether you need any restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or hearing aids.
You will take a vision test using a machine that checks your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will be tested with them on. You will also answer a few questions about traffic laws and road signs. This is not a written exam like the one for a new license; it is a brief check to make sure you still know the basics.
Your photo will be taken (unless you brought one), and your new license will be printed on the spot. You will receive it before you leave. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times can add to that.
When to renew before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The Secretary of State recommends renewing within six months of your expiration date to avoid the rush and to make sure your new license arrives before the old one expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for four years (or two years if you are 69 or older) from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a Secretary of State office. An expired license is still accepted as proof of identity for renewal purposes. However, you cannot drive legally with an expired license, so renew as soon as you can.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to take a written test and vision test again, similar to explore for a new license. Contact the Secretary of State office to find out what you will need to bring.
Renewing if you have medical or vision changes
If you have had a change in your vision, hearing, or a medical condition since your last license was issued, tell the staff member during your renewal appointment. Some changes require a medical evaluation form from your doctor before you can renew. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or seizure disorders may require this form.
If you fail the vision test during renewal, you will not be able to renew on the spot. You will need to get an eye exam and bring the results back to the Secretary of State office. Some offices can refer you to a local eye care provider if you need one.
If you have a suspended or revoked license, you cannot renew it. You will need to contact the Secretary of State office to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online in Chicago?
Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you have no new medical or vision restrictions. Visit the Secretary of State website to check if you are may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online and your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
How long does it take to get your renewed license in the mail?
If you renew in person, you receive your new license before you leave the office. If you renew by mail or online, your new license is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within two to three weeks.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will show your updated address.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in Chicago?
Appointments are not required, but they are available at some locations and can reduce your wait time. Check the Secretary of State website to see if appointments are being scheduled at your nearest office. Walk-ins are always accepted.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a document that proves your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name in the system, and your new license will show your current legal name.