Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired
The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and what kind of license you hold. Illinois Secretary of State handles all renewals. Most people can renew online through the eLicense system if their license is not yet expired and they meet a few basic requirements. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to update your address or other information, you will need to renew in person at a Driver Services facility.
Your Illinois driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 69 years old, or two years if you are 69 or older. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through eLicense if your current license is not expired and you have a valid email address and Social Security number on file with the state.
- Online renewal costs $30 and takes about 10 business days; your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- You can renew by mail if your license expired less than one year ago, but the process takes longer than online renewal.
- If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person rather than online.
Renewing online through eLicense
The fastest and cheapest way to renew is through the Secretary of State's eLicense system at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Online renewal costs $30 and you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change any information on your license, or if you have an outstanding suspension or revocation on your driving record. If any of those explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.
After you complete the online form, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as your current license has not yet expired.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have a suspension or revocation on your record. You will also need to renew in person if you want a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.
Bring the following documents: a valid photo ID (such as a passport or state ID), 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 last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You can find your nearest Driver Services facility and book an appointment online at cyberdriveillinois.com. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster and you are less likely to wait. In-person renewal costs $30 for a standard four-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot, though it may take a few minutes to print.
Renewing by mail if your license expired less than one year ago
If your license expired within the past year, you can renew by mail instead of going to a facility in person. Request a renewal process by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and selecting the mail renewal option. You can also pick up an process form at any Driver Services facility.
Fill out the process and mail it to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for $30. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license or a valid photo ID. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal—typically three to four weeks from the time the state receives your process.
Once the state processes your process, your new license will be mailed to you. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep a copy of your mailed process or the confirmation number if the state provides one.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online eLicense system or the mail renewal process. You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. The state treats this as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, so you will need to bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you are in the process of renewing it. If you are stopped by police, you could be cited. Book an appointment at a Driver Services facility as soon as you can. Bring all required documents to avoid delays or having to return for a second visit.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Illinois driver's license is not Real ID-compliant. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license during your renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number.
A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($30 for four years). The main difference is that it has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need to upgrade. You can continue to use a standard license for driving and most other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is about to expire but not yet expired?
Yes. You can renew online through eLicense up to one year before your license expires. Many people renew a few months early to avoid the rush right before the expiration date. The new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine varies but can be $100 or more. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail and must go in person to a Driver Services facility.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about 10 business days for standard mail delivery. In-person renewal gives you your new license on the spot. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the state receives your process. You can check the status of your renewal on cyberdriveillinois.com if you renewed online or in person.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. When you renew online or by mail, the state uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the facility will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal, but you will have to go in person to a Driver Services facility to have it taken.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension or revocation on my driving record?
No. You cannot renew online if you have an active suspension or revocation. You must go in person to a Driver Services facility. The facility staff can tell you whether your suspension or revocation can be lifted and what steps you need to take. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete other requirements before you can renew.