You can renew after expiration, but the process and fees depend on how long it has been expired
Illinois allows you to renew your driver's license after it expires, but the longer you wait, the more complicated the process becomes. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew by mail or online through the Secretary of State's website — no in-person visit required. If it has been expired for more than 12 months, you must explore in person at a Driver Services facility in Chicago and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
The fee for renewal is the same whether you renew before or after expiration: $30 for a standard four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you will pay an additional late fee of $10 on top of the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than 12 months can be renewed online or by mail without visiting a facility.
- Licenses expired more than 12 months require an in-person appointment at a Chicago Driver Services facility and may require retesting.
- Standard renewal costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years, plus a $10 late fee if expired more than three years.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your expired license to renew.
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option if your license expired within the last year.
Renewing online or by mail if expired less than 12 months
If your license expired within the past year, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number. The online system will verify your information against Illinois records and charge the renewal fee to a credit or debit card. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.
Mail renewal is also available for licenses expired fewer than 12 months. read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, a copy of your expired license, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days works). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Mail processing typically takes four to six weeks.
Online renewal is faster and does not require you to gather documents or write a check, so it is the preferred route if you have internet access and your license expired recently.
In-person renewal at a Chicago Driver Services facility
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person. Chicago has two locations: one at 2600 South California Avenue and one at 9901 West Skokie Boulevard in Skokie. You will need to schedule an appointment through the Secretary of State's website — walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, so book as soon as you know you need to renew.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have moved since your license was issued, bring two documents showing your current address. The facility will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, the Secretary of State may require you to retake the written test and vision screening. The facility staff will tell you whether this applies to your situation when you arrive. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual available free on the Secretary of State website.
Documents you need to bring
For any renewal method, you will need your Social Security number and your expired driver's license. For in-person renewal, you must also bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. A government-issued ID such as a passport is helpful but not required if you have your expired license.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved since your license was issued and your address on the license does not match your current address, bring two documents showing your new address.
What happens if you drive with an expired license in Illinois
Driving with an expired license in Illinois is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed and fined. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $100 to $500 depending on how long the license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. A ticket for an expired license does not automatically suspend your driving privileges, but it does create a court record.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, the Secretary of State may have flagged your driving record as invalid, meaning your insurance may not cover accidents or claims. Renewing as soon as possible protects you legally and ensures your insurance remains active.
Renewing if you no longer live in Chicago
If you have moved out of Illinois but still hold an Illinois license, you can renew by mail or online if it expired fewer than 12 months ago. You do not need to be a resident of Illinois to renew — the Secretary of State will mail your new license to any address you provide, including an out-of-state address.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago and you no longer live in Illinois, you have two options: travel back to Chicago for an in-person appointment, or contact the Secretary of State's office to ask whether they will waive the in-person requirement due to your relocation. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Illinois, but this varies. If you plan to move permanently to another state, that state's DMV may require you to obtain a new license rather than renewing your Illinois license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. If you renew online or by mail, you will not have a valid license for two to six weeks. If you need to drive when ready, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without the physical license if you renew online or by mail — the Secretary of State's system will have a record of your license number and information. If you are renewing in person, tell the facility staff that you lost your license; they will look up your record using your Social Security number and date of birth.
Do I need to retake the written test to renew?
Only if your license has been expired for more than three years. For licenses expired fewer than three years, you renew without retesting. The facility will inform you at your appointment if retesting is required.
How long does a renewed license last?
A standard Illinois driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. You can choose to renew for eight years instead by paying the higher fee ($60 instead of $30), which gives you a longer period before you need to renew again.
What if my address changed since my license was issued?
You can update your address during renewal. For online or mail renewal, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically. For in-person renewal, bring two documents showing your new address, and the facility will update it while processing your renewal.