Illinois driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
In Illinois, your driver's license renewal timeline depends on when you were born. If you are under 69 years old, your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. If you are 69 or older, your license is valid for two years. The Secretary of State's office mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 30 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This matters if you are planning travel or know your current license will expire soon—you can renew early without penalty. Illinois offers three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois driver's licenses expire every four years for people under 69 and every two years for people 69 and older.
- You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your address or vision correction information.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must send original documents and cannot track your process status.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are making changes to your license information.
- The Secretary of State charges a renewal fee that varies by license type; you can check the current fee on their website before you start.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must log into your account on the Secretary of State's website at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity. The system will confirm your information on file and ask you to review your address and any other details.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you need to update your address, or if you wear corrective lenses and need to change that information on your license. You also cannot renew online if you want to add or remove the Real ID designation. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
The online fee is charged to a credit or debit card at the time you submit your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after approval that you can use while you wait for the physical card.
Renewing by mail with the Secretary of State
Mail renewal requires you to send original documents to the Secretary of State's office. You will need to complete the process form (available on the cyberdriveillinois.com website), include a copy of your current driver's license, and provide proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days of your process. You must also include payment by check or money order—credit cards are not accepted by mail.
Mail your process to the address listed on the Secretary of State's website. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You will not receive a tracking number or status updates, so you cannot check on your process once it is mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail at your address on file.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit a facility or if you cannot renew online due to a name change or address update. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail—you must go in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are making changes to your license information such as your address, name, or vision correction status. Illinois has Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and check hours on the Secretary of State's website.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are adding or removing the Real ID designation, bring a second form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate.
Wait times at Driver Services facilities vary by location and time of day. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State's website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the facility is. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.
Real ID and what it means for your renewal
A Real ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses and identification cards. An Illinois Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard Illinois driver's license does not have this star and does not meet federal requirements for air travel.
If your current license has the gold star, your renewal will automatically include Real ID status unless you request to remove it. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it, you must renew in person and bring a second form of identification such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID. You cannot add Real ID status online or by mail.
If you are unsure whether your current license is Real ID compliant, look for the gold star in the upper right corner. You can also call the Secretary of State's office to confirm your license status.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have applied for renewal and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. This is a separate violation from other traffic offenses and can result in a fine.
If your license has expired and you need to drive before your renewal arrives, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. You will receive your new license when ready after your appointment, so you can drive legally the same day. This is why renewing early—up to one year before expiration—is a practical choice if you know your license will expire soon.
If you are waiting for a renewal by mail or online and your license expires before it arrives, contact the Secretary of State's office to confirm your process was received. They can provide a temporary document or advise you on next steps.
Fees and payment methods for Illinois renewal
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long your new license will be valid. The Secretary of State's website lists current fees before you start your process, so you know the exact cost. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash (in person only). Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order. If you are renewing in person, you can also pay by electronic check at the Driver Services facility.
Some Driver Services facilities charge an additional service fee if you use certain payment methods or if you need extra services such as a duplicate license or a corrected license. Ask about these fees when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility, a written test, and a vision test. Contact the Secretary of State's office to find out what documents you need to bring.
What if I move to a different address before my renewal arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State's office as soon as possible and provide your new address. If you renewed online or by mail, they may be able to redirect your license to your new address. If you renewed in person, your license was already printed with your old address and you will need to update it at a Driver Services facility after you receive it.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Illinois driver's license?
Not necessarily. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
How long does it take to get my renewed Illinois driver's license?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive your license the same day. A temporary digital license is available on your phone when ready after online approval.
What if I lost my current driver's license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring your proof of identity and address. They will help you renew and issue a new license on the spot.