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. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal follows the same cost structure but takes longer—typically two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is fastest if you need your license when ready, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is that day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail only if your current license has not expired; expired licenses require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State facility.
- Online renewal costs $30 for five years or $60 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal uses the same form and fees as online but takes two to three weeks total, including processing time after the Secretary of State receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is the only option for expired licenses and is the fastest way to get a license the same day.
Renewing online through the Illinois Secretary of State website
The Illinois Secretary of State website has a dedicated renewal portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then answer questions about any changes to your address, height, or other information on your license. You will confirm whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel as of May 2025).
After you review your information and select your license type, you pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system generates a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. It is also not available if you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update your sex designation on the license—those changes require an in-person visit.
Renewing by mail with the paper process
You can request a mail renewal form by calling the Secretary of State's driver services line at 217-782-6900 or by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person. The form is also available to read and print from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Secretary of State.
Mail your completed process and payment to the address listed on the form—typically the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Include a copy of your current license if possible. The Secretary of State processes mail applications in the order they are received, which typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must not be expired for more than one year, and you cannot use mail renewal to change your name, date of birth, or sex designation. If any of those changes explore to you, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and check current wait times on cyberdriveillinois.com. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
At the facility, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You pay the fee at the counter by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing a standard license, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you must wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to make changes to your name or other personal information, or if you are upgrading to a Real ID license for the first time. It is also the only option if you have had your license suspended or revoked and are now may be able to access to renew.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Illinois driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you fly or need to enter a federal facility, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or another federally approved form of identification.
When you renew your license online or by mail, you can choose to upgrade to Real ID at the same time. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal. If you renew in person, the staff member will ask whether you want a standard or Real ID license. Real ID renewal requires the same documents as a standard renewal—your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you specifically request a standard license instead. There is no additional cost to keep your Real ID status when you renew.
Fees, timelines, and what to expect after renewal
Illinois driver's license renewal fees are $30 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees for Real ID compliance. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fees are higher and vary depending on the type of CDL and endorsements you hold.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired: you complete it in about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total, including the time for the Secretary of State to receive and process your process. In-person renewal is when ready for a temporary paper license, with the permanent license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days (or longer if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time).
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Secretary of State facility. Your new license is valid for the number of years you selected at renewal—five or eight years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your new license expires, reminding you to renew again.
What to do if your license has expired or you missed the renewal important date
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it using the same process as a valid license—online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time and you need to drive when ready, visit a Secretary of State facility as soon as possible to renew in person and receive a temporary paper license.
If you cannot locate your current license, you can still renew by providing your driver's license number (if you know it) or by providing your date of birth and other identifying information. Call the Secretary of State's driver services line at 217-782-6900 to confirm what information you will need to bring to a facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?
Yes. During online renewal, you will be asked to confirm or update your address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. Make sure the address is correct before you submit your process, because the license will be mailed there and you cannot change it after payment.
What happens if I renew online but my license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Secretary of State's driver services line at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to report the problem. You may be issued a replacement license at no additional cost, depending on the type of error. Keep your damaged license until you receive a replacement.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No for online or mail renewal—your current photo is used. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken at the facility. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?
The Secretary of State can suspend your license if you have unpaid child support or certain unpaid traffic fines. Before you attempt to renew, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check whether your license is may be able to access for renewal. If it is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue before renewal is possible.
How long can I drive on my old license after I renew online or by mail?
You can continue to drive on your current license until your new license arrives. Once the new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid. There is no grace period, so do not wait until the last minute to renew if you need your license for travel or federal building access.