Illinois driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois issues driver's licenses on a four-year cycle for drivers under 69 and an eight-year cycle for drivers 69 and older. You can renew before your current license expires, and the state recommends doing so at least two weeks before the expiration date. The fastest route is online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions — no address change, no vision correction change, and a valid REAL ID-compliant document on file. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Secretary of State facility in person.
The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license and $60 for an eight-year license. If you are 69 or older, you can choose either term length when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most locations.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online only if you have no address change, no vision correction change, and a valid REAL ID document already on file with the state.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the address listed on the Secretary of State website.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires an appointment, which you can book online or by calling 217-782-6900.
- If your license is expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.
Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements
Online renewal is available through the Secretary of State's DriverServices portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if all three of these conditions are true: your address has not changed since your last renewal, your vision correction needs have not changed, and you have a valid REAL ID-compliant document on file. REAL ID documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID marked as REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your document is on file, you can check during the online renewal process — the system will tell you before you pay.
If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Do not attempt to force an online renewal if your situation has changed, because the transaction will be rejected and you will need to start over using a different method.
Mail renewal: slower but no appointment needed
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your materials. You need to complete form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include your current license, and send payment by check or money order. The form is available on the Secretary of State website under "Forms." Mail your materials to the address listed on the form — the address changes depending on your county, so check the website before you send anything.
Include a copy of your REAL ID-compliant document if your address has changed or if you are renewing for the first time under REAL ID rules. If your vision correction needs have changed, you must renew in person instead. Keep a record of when you mailed your materials in case you need to follow up — the Secretary of State recommends keeping a copy of the form and your payment receipt.
If your license is expired and you choose mail renewal, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Plan accordingly and do not wait until the last week before expiration to mail your renewal.
In-person renewal: required if your information has changed
In-person renewal is necessary if your address has changed, your vision correction needs have changed, or you need to update your name or other personal information. You must book an appointment through the Secretary of State website or by calling 217-782-6900. Walk-in renewals are not accepted at most facilities, so arriving without an appointment will result in being turned away.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. If your address has changed, bring the residency document showing your new address. If your vision has changed, you will be given a vision test at the facility — you do not need to bring a prescription or eye exam results. Bring your REAL ID-compliant document if you do not have one on file.
Processing time at the facility is typically 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some Secretary of State facilities are busier than others, so choosing an off-peak time (mid-week, mid-morning) may reduce your wait time.
What to do if your license is expired or expiring soon
If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have two options: carry a printed receipt from your online renewal or mail renewal as proof that you have submitted your renewal, or visit a Secretary of State facility in person to receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days.
If your license expires within two weeks, the Secretary of State recommends renewing when ready rather than waiting. Online renewal is the fastest if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, call 217-782-6900 to ask about expedited in-person appointments, though these are not may provide to be available.
REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Illinois driver's licenses are REAL ID-compliant if they were issued after January 2010 and include a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license has this star, you can use it as identification for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant as long as you have a valid REAL ID document on file.
If your license does not have a gold star and you want REAL ID compliance, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of a REAL ID-compliant document. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate paired with a Social Security card. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, but the facility will verify your document and note your REAL ID status on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license if I moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of state and no longer live in Illinois, you cannot renew an Illinois license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Illinois but moved to a different address within the state, you can renew in person or by mail.
What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?
Contact the Secretary of State when ready at 217-782-6900 or through the DriverServices portal. If you catch the error before your new license is mailed, they may be able to correct it. If the license has already been mailed, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person to request a corrected license, which may involve an additional fee.
Do I need an eye exam to renew my license in Illinois?
Not before you renew. If you renew in person and your vision has changed, the Secretary of State facility will give you a vision test at no extra cost. If you renew online or by mail and your vision has changed, you must renew in person instead. You do not need to bring an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
Your new license is valid for four years if you are under 69, or eight years if you are 69 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you are 69 or older, you can choose the four-year or eight-year term when you renew.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.