Where to renew and what method works for you
You can renew your Illinois driver's license in three ways: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a facility takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Not everyone can renew online or by mail. You must have a valid Illinois license that is not suspended or revoked, and you cannot have changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago — at that point you need to explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit and a written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes 10 minutes and costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years, but only works if your license is valid and nothing about your identity has changed.
- Mail renewal uses the same cost and timeline as online but requires you to mail in your current license and wait two to three weeks for the new one to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is required if your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than five years, or if you've changed your name, address, or vision needs.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days if you renew online or in person; mail-in renewals take longer because processing happens after your documents arrive.
Online renewal step by step
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" under the Driver Services section. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you'll pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card — the site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first — the online system will not let you change your address during renewal.
Mail renewal: documents and timeline
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request one. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $30 for four years or $60 for eight years — made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash.
Mail your packet to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your documents, not from the date you mail them. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license. If you're concerned about delivery, you can mail your packet using a service that provides tracking, like certified mail or UPS, so you know when it arrives.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Bring a debit card or credit card to pay the renewal fee on site.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate for a standard renewal, but bring them if you've changed your name since your last license was issued. If you need a new photo, the facility will take one. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. To find the facility nearest you and check current wait times, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator tool.
When you must renew in person
In-person renewal is required if your current license is suspended or revoked, if it expired more than five years ago, or if you've changed your name since it was issued. You also must renew in person if you've changed your address and did not update it before attempting to renew online or by mail. If your vision has changed and you now need or no longer need corrective lenses, you must renew in person so the facility can note that change on your license.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew — you must explore for a replacement, which requires an in-person visit and proof of identity. If your license was suspended due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you'll need to resolve those issues before the Secretary of State will process any renewal or replacement.
Cost and timeline at a glance
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | When You Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $30 (4 years) or $60 (8 years) | 10 business days | Valid license, no changes to name, address, or vision needs |
| $30 (4 years) or $60 (8 years) | 2–3 weeks | Valid license, no changes to name, address, or vision needs | |
| In person | $30 (4 years) or $60 (8 years) | 10 business days | Any situation, including suspended or expired licenses |
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Secretary of State to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps are needed to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to learn the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Once the issue is resolved, you can renew your license using any of the three methods listed above. The restoration process can take weeks or months depending on the reason, so contact the office as soon as you realize your license is suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test. Contact a Driver Services facility to schedule an appointment.
What if I moved and haven't updated my address yet?
You must update your address before renewing online or by mail. Visit a Driver Services facility in person with proof of your new address, or call 217-782-6900 to request an address change form by mail. Once your address is updated in the system, you can renew online or by mail.
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. If your current license has already expired, you should not drive — renew before your expiration date if possible. If you've already let it expire, renew when ready and contact the Secretary of State to ask about your options.
Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use the photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal gives you the option to take a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.
What if I'm out of state when my license expires?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal takes 10 minutes and your new license arrives within 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but works the same way. Make sure your mailing address is current so your new license reaches you.