How Illinois driver's license renewal works
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to expiration and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online through the Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need a license sooner—for travel or identification—you can visit a Secretary of State facility in person and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest method and works if your license is not yet expired and your address has not changed.
- You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license has been suspended or revoked.
- A five-year license costs $30 and an eight-year license costs $60; you choose the term when you renew.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total, while online renewal delivers your new license in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if it has expired.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file.
Review your name, address, and date of birth for accuracy. If everything matches, you can proceed to payment. Illinois accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your current license has not expired and your address and name have not changed since your last renewal. If either has changed, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visiting a local facility. You can also read the process from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Include a copy of a document showing your current address if it has changed since your last renewal. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail your process to the Secretary of State Driver Services Department, and allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or if you have a minor address change. However, if your name has changed or your license has been suspended, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Walk-in service is available at most facilities, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. If you need your license the same day, in-person renewal is your only option; you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license has been suspended or revoked. It is also the fastest way to get a valid ID if you have an upcoming trip or need identification for another reason.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
Your address has changed since your last renewal. Online renewal will not process if the system detects a mismatch between your current address and the one on file. You must go in person and bring proof of your new address.
Your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change. You will need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Your license has been suspended or revoked. You cannot renew online or by mail if your driving privileges have been suspended. You must visit a facility in person, and you may need to resolve the underlying issue (unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, or a failed medical exam) before renewal is possible. Call 217-782-6900 to find out what you need to bring.
Costs and what to bring
| Renewal Method | Cost (5-Year) | Cost (8-Year) | Processing Time | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $30 | $60 | 7–10 business days | Current license, SSN last 4 digits, date of birth |
| $30 | $60 | 2–3 weeks | Completed form, check or money order, proof of address if changed | |
| In Person | $30 | $60 | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (permanent) | Current license, proof of residency, SSN card or document, payment |
All renewal methods cost the same: $30 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most facilities, though some locations may have different payment options.
The five-year license is less expensive but requires renewal more often. The eight-year license costs twice as much but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Your choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the same address and name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. Illinois allows you to renew your license up to five years after expiration. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. You can still renew online or by mail if your address and name have not changed; if either has changed, you must go in person.
How long can I drive on my old license while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired. Once your new license arrives in the mail, your old license is no longer valid. Keep both licenses until the new one arrives, in case you are stopped by police.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has your photo and signature and is accepted as valid identification.
Do I have to choose between a five-year and eight-year license?
Yes. When you renew, you must choose one or the other. The five-year license costs $30 and the eight-year license costs $60. There is no middle option. Most people choose based on how often they expect to need a new photo ID or how long they plan to stay in Illinois.
What happens if I move out of state before my new license arrives?
Your Illinois license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, once you establish residency in another state, you should get a driver's license from that state. You can still use your Illinois license for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive with it in your new state of residence.