You can renew your Illinois driver's license online if your license is not expired more than one year and you meet a few other conditions
The Illinois Secretary of State lets you renew online through their website without visiting a facility. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that on your license, or if you have certain medical conditions flagged in the system. If any of those explore, you will need to renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the past year and you do not need to change your name, address, or vision correction status.
- The fee is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the renewal.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to change personal information, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Illinois Secretary of State website to renew:
- Your current Illinois driver's license number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee
You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo for online renewal. The Secretary of State uses the photo and information already on file from your current license.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link for online renewal and you will be taken to a find form.
Enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it carefully to make sure the name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot fix it online and will need to renew in person.
Choose whether you want a four-year license ($30) or an eight-year license ($95). Enter your debit or credit card information and submit the payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this confirmation.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address before the license arrives, contact the Secretary of State by phone or visit a facility in person.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
You must renew at a Secretary of State facility if your license expired more than one year ago. The online system will not let you proceed if you are past that window.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, update your address, or modify your vision correction status (for example, if you now wear glasses but your license does not show that). Any change to personal information requires an in-person visit and a new photo.
If you have medical conditions or restrictions on your license that need review, or if the system flags your record for any reason, you will be directed to renew in person. The online form will tell you this before you pay, so you will not be charged.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
You will see a confirmation number on screen when ready after payment. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
Your new license is printed and mailed within 2 to 3 business days. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue if needed.
Paying the renewal fee
The cost depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $95. You choose which one during the online process before you pay.
You can pay only by debit card or credit card. The Secretary of State does not take cash, checks, or money orders for online renewal. The charge will appear on your statement under the Illinois Secretary of State.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
Online renewal is for renewing a license you still have. If your license was lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot use the online renewal process. You will need to explore for a duplicate or replacement license in person at a Secretary of State facility.
Bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport) and proof of your Social Security number. The fee for a duplicate is $20. You can also call the Secretary of State to ask whether you can renew by mail instead of in person, though this option is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired two years ago?
No. The online system only works if your license expired within the past year. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a government-issued photo ID.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to update your address on your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and a government-issued photo ID.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your license is mailed within 2 to 3 business days and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. If it does not show up within 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if I now need glasses but my license does not show that?
No. Any change to your vision correction status requires an in-person renewal so you can take a new photo and have the restriction updated. Visit a Secretary of State facility with your current license, proof of residency, and a government-issued photo ID.
What if the online system rejects my renewal?
The system will tell you why before you pay. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than one year old, a name or address change needed, or a flag on your record. Follow the instructions on screen to renew in person or call the Secretary of State for more information.