What you need to renew your Illinois driver's license
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
For any renewal method, you will need to bring or provide proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a Secretary of State office in person. The same applies if you want to change your photo, which happens automatically at in-person renewals but not through the mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois offers three renewal paths — in person, by mail (if your license is current or expired less than one year), or online through the Secretary of State website.
- You will need proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
- A new license costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $5 for a one-year renewal, and processing times vary by method.
- You can check your renewal status and find office locations and hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Renewing online or by mail
The Illinois Secretary of State website allows you to renew online if your license is current or expired less than one year. You will enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved.
Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the time you submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You cannot change your photo online, and you cannot renew online if you have any restrictions or endorsements that require a new photo or in-person verification.
Mail renewal works the same way: you send in your current license, a completed process form (available on the Secretary of State website), and proof of your current address. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want to change your photo, or if you have restrictions or endorsements that require verification. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it.
Secretary of State facilities are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You will have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license document valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
A standard four-year Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30. You can also choose a one-year renewal for $5 if you prefer to renew more frequently — some people do this if they expect their address to change soon or if they want to update their photo sooner.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of renewal (or one year if you chose the one-year option). Illinois sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Illinois Secretary of State. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or unpaid parking tickets in Chicago.
Contact the Secretary of State's Cyberdrive office to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you may be able to obtain a restricted driving permit, but this requires an in-person visit and approval from the Secretary of State.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved, you can update your address during any renewal method. Online and by mail, you straightforward enter your new address when prompted. In person, you provide your new address to the clerk, and it is recorded on your new license.
You must provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement along with another document showing your old address.
Renewing a license with restrictions or endorsements
If your license has restrictions (such as corrective lenses required) or endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you must renew in person. The Secretary of State needs to verify that the restriction or endorsement still applies and that you still meet the requirements.
Bring your current license, proof of address, and any documents related to your restriction — for example, a recent eye exam if you have a vision correction restriction. If you want to add or remove an endorsement, you may need to take a written test or skills test, depending on the endorsement. Ask the Secretary of State office what you need before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewal takes about 10 business days from submission, but that does not include mail delivery time. Your new license is mailed to your address on file, so add three to five business days for postal delivery. In total, expect two to three weeks from the time you submit online.
What if I moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement showing your new address, plus another document (such as a bank statement or old utility bill) showing your name and old address. The Secretary of State accepts this combination as proof of your current address.
Can I renew my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. Some unpaid tickets trigger a license suspension, which prevents renewal. Contact the Secretary of State or the court that issued the ticket to learn about your license is suspended. If it is, you must resolve the ticket or payment plan before you can renew.
Do I have to renew for four years, or can I choose a shorter period?
You can choose a one-year renewal for $5 instead of a four-year renewal for $30. This is useful if you expect your address to change soon or if you want to update your photo sooner. You can renew for one year at any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person.