Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State office, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who have no medical restrictions, and whose licenses expire more than 60 days away.
If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your last renewal. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most Secretary of State offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website takes minutes and costs $5 less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is valid and expires more than 60 days away.
- In-person renewal at any Secretary of State office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after renewal, and you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- Renewal fees are $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal whether you go online or in person.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need additional documents or a medical examination.
Online renewal: the fastest route if you're may be able to access
The Illinois Secretary of State website offers online renewal for drivers whose licenses are currently valid and not restricted. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, choose your license type (four-year or eight-year), and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired more than 60 days ago, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if your license carries medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, or if you need to change your address. In any of those cases, you must go to a Secretary of State office in person.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office
Walk into any Secretary of State office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, debit, or credit card.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one comes. If you need your new license faster — for travel or work — you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though this costs an additional $5 and is valid for 30 days only.
Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website. No appointment is required, but you can call ahead to ask about busy times.
What happens if your license has expired or is suspended
If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew online. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person. Bring the same documents — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — and the process is the same as a standard renewal.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You need to contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it. This might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after the suspension is removed can you renew your license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 or check your status on the Secretary of State website. Have your driver's license number ready.
Medical restrictions and vision requirements
If your current license has a medical restriction — such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or hand controls required — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
At the office, you may be asked to pass a vision test or provide a medical examination form signed by your doctor, depending on your age and the nature of the restriction. If you are 81 or older, Illinois law requires you to pass a vision test and a written test as part of renewal. Bring your glasses or contacts if you need them for the vision test.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the Secretary of State may require a medical report from your doctor before your license can be renewed. The office staff will tell you what is needed when you arrive.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must go to a Secretary of State office in person.
Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The staff will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the new address printed on it. The renewal fee is the same — $30 for four years or $95 for eight years.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
Illinois offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $30 or an eight-year license for $95. The choice is yours at renewal time, and you can switch between them at each renewal.
A four-year license means you renew more often, but the cost per renewal is lower. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less frequently. If you plan to stay in Illinois for at least eight years and your license has no medical restrictions, the eight-year option may save you money over time. If you are unsure about your plans or prefer to renew more often, the four-year option is simpler.
Your license type does not affect your driving privileges or insurance rates — it is purely a matter of how often you want to renew and how much you want to spend at each renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my new license is in the mail?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. You can drive, work, and travel on your current license while waiting for the new one. Once the new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I never received my new license in the mail?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department at 217-782-6900 to report the missing license. Have your driver's license number and the date you renewed ready. They can check whether the license was mailed and help you request a replacement if it was lost in transit.
Do I have to renew in person if I changed my name?
Yes. You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Go to a Secretary of State office and bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The staff will update your name and issue your new license.
What if my license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines?
You must pay the fines and any reinstatement fee before your license can be renewed. Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to find out the total amount owed and how to pay it. Once paid, you can renew your license in person or online, depending on whether other restrictions explore.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a move or want to lock in a lower fee before rates change. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or close to the expiration date.