You can renew your Illinois driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license through its online system, called eDL, without visiting a Secretary of State office. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $5 less than renewing in person. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Not everyone can use the online system. You must have a valid Illinois driver's license that is not expired by more than 12 months, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a Social Security number on file with the state, and have no medical or legal holds on your record. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online.
The online renewal does not include a new photo. Illinois uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through eDL works only if your current license is valid and expired no more than 12 months ago.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you want a new photo, have a suspended or revoked license, or are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal 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. Have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
Check your address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can change your address on the same eDL website, or you can do it during the renewal process itself.
Steps to renew online through eDL
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "eDL — Renew Your Driver's License Online." You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Answer the security questions, which are based on information in your record. These questions verify your identity before the state processes your renewal. After you pass the security check, review your personal information and address. Make any corrections if needed.
Choose your renewal type. Standard renewal keeps your current photo and address. If you need to update your address, select that option during this step. Then review the fee amount — standard online renewal costs $5 less than in-person renewal — and enter your payment information.
Submit your renewal request. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Secretary of State reviews your process, usually within one business day. If there are no issues, your license is approved and sent to the printer. You will receive an email confirming approval.
Your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the approval date. You can continue to drive using your current license until your new one arrives. Your current license remains valid during this waiting period.
If the state finds a problem with your process — such as a medical hold or a name mismatch — you will receive an email explaining what needs to be fixed. The email will tell you whether you can fix it online or must visit a Secretary of State office in person.
Reasons your online renewal might be denied
Your renewal will be rejected if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The same applies if you have an outstanding traffic ticket, a medical condition flagged in your record, or a court order against your driving privileges. In these cases, you must resolve the issue before you can renew.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, online renewal is not available. You must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
Non-citizens and non-permanent residents cannot renew online. If you are on a visa or have another immigration status, you must visit a Secretary of State office with proof of your legal presence in the United States.
When to renew in person instead
Visit a Secretary of State office if you want a new photo on your license. Online renewal uses your existing photo, so if your current photo is outdated or you straightforward want a new one, you must renew in person.
You also need to go in person if you are changing your name, adding or removing organ donor status, or updating your gender marker. These changes require a visit to an office and may require supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot use the online system. The same applies if you have a medical hold or legal restriction on your driving record. Contact your local Secretary of State office to find out what documents and tests you will need.
How to check your renewal status
Go back to the eDL website and select "Check Your Renewal Status." Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show you whether your process is pending, approved, or denied.
If your status shows "approved," your license is being printed and mailed. If it shows "pending," the state is still reviewing your process. If it shows "denied," an email was sent to you explaining why. Check your email, including your spam folder, for the denial notice.
If you do not see a status update within two business days of submitting your renewal, contact the Secretary of State's office by phone or visit a local office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last 12 months. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. You may also need to retake the written and vision tests.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State's office with your new address before your license is mailed. If your license has already been sent, you can file a change of address form online or in person, and the state will forward your license to your new address. You may also request a replacement license be sent to your new address.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office.
How much does online renewal cost?
Online renewal costs $5 less than in-person renewal. The exact fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. The eDL website shows the total fee before you submit payment.
What if I get an error message when I try to log in?
Make sure you are entering your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number correctly. If you still get an error, you may not meet the requirements for online renewal. Call the Secretary of State's office or visit a local office to renew in person.