You can renew your Illinois driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than one year and you meet a few other conditions
The Illinois Secretary of State's office lets you renew online through their website without visiting a facility. You'll need a valid email address, your current driver's license number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record. If any of these explore, you'll need to renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the past year and you don't need to update your name, address, or medical information.
- You'll pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your current ID and proof of residency.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Secretary of State website to renew:
- Your current Illinois driver's license number
- A valid email address where you can receive confirmation
- A credit card, debit card, or bank account for the renewal fee
- Your Social Security number
The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The fee is non-refundable once you submit your renewal, so make sure all your information is correct before you finish.
Steps to renew online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the menu. You'll be taken to a find portal where you log in or create an account if you don't have one.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and address. Review this carefully—if your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit a facility instead. Answer questions about your medical history and any vision or hearing changes. Answer honestly; these answers affect whether you can legally drive.
Choose your license term (four or eight years), review the fee, and enter your payment information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
The Secretary of State processes online renewals within 3 to 5 business days. During this time, they verify your information and check for any issues that might prevent renewal. You can use your old license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your renewal is processed. If you don't receive your license within two weeks of submitting your renewal, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
The online system will not let you complete a renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. You'll need to explore for a new license in person at a Secretary of State facility instead of renewing.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name or address. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must visit a facility and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals require an in-person visit and a medical examination. If your license has medical restrictions or if you've reported a medical condition to the Secretary of State, you may need to renew in person or provide additional documentation.
How to find a Secretary of State facility near you
Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities in most counties. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator tool to find the office closest to you. The locator shows hours of operation, which vary by location. Some facilities are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or visit early in the morning or mid-week to avoid crowds. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, as long as it expired within the past year. If it expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a Secretary of State facility.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Secretary of State processes your renewal within 3 to 5 business days, then mails your new license. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so plan for up to two weeks total. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
What payment methods does the online renewal system accept?
You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or by electronic check. The fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
What should I do if I don't receive my new license within two weeks?
Contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 to check your renewal status. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license is lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement.