Renewing your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State without visiting a facility if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet basic requirements. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $30, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or schedule an in-person appointment at a Driver Services facility.
Your may be able to access to renew depends on your current license status, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Illinois allows online renewal for most people whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or subject to restrictions that require in-person verification.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days; you need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the Secretary of State.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or obtain a Real ID.
- Your Illinois driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening in person.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
The Secretary of State's online renewal system at cyberdriveillinois.com is available 24 hours a day. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record and does not require you to upload documents or take a new photo.
After you complete the online form and pay the $30 renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900.
Mail renewal when you prefer not to go online
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Renewal of Driver's License and Permit (Form DL 43) from the Secretary of State website, or request one by calling 217-782-6900. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $30 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. Send your materials early if your license is expiring soon, since processing time does not include mail delivery. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records. You may continue to drive using your current license while your renewal is being processed.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to obtain a Real ID-compliant license, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. Schedule an appointment online at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to find the facility nearest you and check current wait times.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $30. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID compliance and what you need to know
Illinois began issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses in 2009. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star and you want one, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility.
To obtain a Real ID license in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a birth certificate or passport). The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $30. If you do not need Real ID for federal purposes, you can continue to renew your standard Illinois driver's license online or by mail.
What to do if your license has expired or is about to expire
You can renew your Illinois driver's license up to one year before it expires. If your license has expired within the past year, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility and may be required to retake the written test and vision screening.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license is expiring soon and you are unable to renew before the expiration date, renew when ready using whichever method is fastest for your situation — online renewal typically arrives within 10 business days, which is faster than mail or in-person processing.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an Illinois driver's license is $30, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most facilities, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead if you have questions about payment methods at your local facility.
If you are a senior citizen age 69 or older, your renewal fee may be reduced. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to confirm the current fee for your age group. No refunds are issued for renewal fees once payment is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any available method.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, not for online or mail renewal. The Secretary of State uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person and want a new photo, you can request one, though it is not required. A new photo is taken automatically if you obtain a Real ID license.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address online or by mail during renewal. If you renew online, enter your new address in the process form. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the process form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?
No, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. You will likely need to retake the written test and vision screening. Schedule an appointment online at cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to find a facility near you.