Illinois driver's license renewal works differently depending on your age, when your license expires, and whether you want to renew in person or by mail
Illinois offers three main renewal paths: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Most people under 69 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're 69 or older, you must renew in person. Your renewal method also depends on whether your license is still valid, expired less than two years ago, or expired more than two years ago — each has different requirements.
The cost is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method if renewing online. Processing times vary: online renewals typically take one to two weeks, mail renewals take two to four weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois residents under 69 with valid or recently expired licenses can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com without visiting a facility.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must go to a Driver Services facility in person.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form (DL 44), a copy of your current license, and payment mailed to the Secretary of State.
- Residents 69 and older must renew in person at a Driver Services facility, even if their license is still valid.
- You can check your renewal may be able to access and start an online renewal at cyberdriveillinois.com using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the Secretary of State's website is the quickest path if you're under 69 and your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You'll need your current Illinois driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time.
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, select "Driver License Services," then choose "Renew Your Driver License." The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your license. Once you complete the transaction and pay the $30 (four-year) or $95 (eight-year) fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If you see an error message during the process, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
Mail renewal works for drivers under 69 whose license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You'll need to complete form DL 44 (process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit), make a photocopy of your current license, and send both with payment to the Secretary of State address listed on the form.
read form DL 44 from cyberdriveillinois.com or pick one up at any Driver Services facility. Include a check or money order for $30 or $95 (do not send cash). Mail everything to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date received. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.
Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records. If your renewal is not processed within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
You must renew in person if you're 69 or older, your license expired more than two years ago, or your license has been suspended or revoked. You'll also need to go in person if you want to change your address, add or remove a REAL ID designation, or update your photo.
Bring your current Illinois driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and payment ($30 or $95). If your license expired more than two years ago, you may also need to pass a vision test and written exam — call ahead to confirm what your specific facility requires. Driver Services facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Most renewals are completed the same day, and you'll receive your new license before you leave.
Find your nearest facility and check wait times at cyberdriveillinois.com under "Driver Services Facility Locator." Some facilities require appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
REAL ID and enhanced license options during renewal
When you renew, you can add or upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal air travel and entry to military bases starting May 7, 2025. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard license ($30 for four years or $95 for eight years) but requires additional documentation: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency.
Illinois also offers an Enhanced Driver's License, which can be used for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. An Enhanced license costs $50 for four years or $120 for eight years and requires the same documents as a REAL ID plus an process in person at a Driver Services facility.
If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot add REAL ID or Enhanced status — you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to upgrade.
What happens if your license expired more than two years ago
If your Illinois license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Services facility in person. Depending on how long it's been expired and your age, you may need to retake the written exam, vision test, or both.
Call the facility before you visit to ask what tests you'll need to take. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. If you cannot locate your expired license, bring a state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID instead. Processing takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you'll receive your new license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal are available during this window if you meet the other requirements (under 69, no suspensions). Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?
If you're renewing online or by mail, your address will not change automatically. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days) along with your current license and payment.
How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?
Mail-renewed licenses typically arrive within two to four weeks of the Secretary of State receiving your process. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you haven't received it after four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 with your confirmation number.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Driver Services facility?
It depends on the facility. Some require appointments (which you can book at cyberdriveillinois.com), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local facility's page on the Secretary of State website or call ahead to confirm their process and current wait times.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person with an alternative government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, military ID). You'll also need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee — call ahead to confirm the total cost.