How to renew your Illinois driver's license
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access—it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is necessary if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you want to change your photo.
Your Illinois driver's license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you received it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date expires, which gives you time to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes 10 minutes and costs $5 to $30 depending on your license type, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You are may be able to access for online renewal only if your license expired within the last year, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to print a form from the Secretary of State website, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form—processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is required if your license expired more than a year ago, and you will need your current ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" under the Driver's License section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee, which ranges from $5 to $30 depending on whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID licenses cost more but are required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting in 2025.
After you pay online using a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved recently and your address is not updated, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead—online renewal will not let you change your address. Do not drive with an expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive, even though you have a confirmation email. The confirmation is not a valid driving document.
Mail renewal with a printed form
read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current driver's license number, your name, and your address exactly as it appears on your license. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash. The fee is $5 for a standard four-year license or $30 for an eight-year REAL ID license.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You can track your renewal by calling 217-782-6900 and providing your driver's license number. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow you to change your address, update your photo, or correct other information on your license. If you need to make changes, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility
Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to change your address or other information, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee in cash or card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Find your nearest facility and check current wait times on cyberdriveillinois.com. Many facilities are busier on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., so going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait. You will take a new photo at the facility unless you are renewing by mail or online. Your new license is printed on site and you can drive home with it the same day.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Services facility in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and the renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test at the facility before your new license is issued. The vision test is quick—the staff member will check that you can read a standard eye chart.
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you are on your way to renew it. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed. If you need to drive before you can get to a facility, ask a friend or family member to drive instead, or use a rideshare service. Once your new license is issued at the facility, you can drive when ready.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard four-year driver's license costs $5 to renew. An eight-year license costs $30. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30 and is valid for eight years. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. If you are not sure which type you have, look at your current license. If there is a gold star, you have a REAL ID license. If there is no star, you have a standard license.
The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional services like address changes or name corrections. If you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond what a straightforward renewal covers, you may need to visit a facility in person or contact the Secretary of State directly at 217-782-6900 to understand what documents you will need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for six months?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last year. You do not need to visit a facility unless you want to change your photo, address, or other information. Online renewal is faster—your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility to change your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Illinois?
No. A standard driver's license is valid for driving in Illinois. You need a REAL ID license only if you plan to enter a federal building or board a domestic flight. Starting in 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for those purposes.
How long does in-person renewal take at a Driver Services facility?
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check cyberdriveillinois.com for current wait times at your nearest facility. You can usually complete the renewal in 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, but the wait in line may be longer during busy hours.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change to your in-person renewal appointment. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes, so you must visit a facility.