What documents you need to bring
To renew your Illinois driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal name if it has changed since your last renewal. The state also requires you to bring one document that proves your Social Security number — typically your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match the name on your process. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing by mail, you will also need a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can read this from the Illinois Secretary of State website or pick one up at any driver services facility.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and a document showing your Social Security number.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that proves the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any driver services facility, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you meet age and status requirements.
- Renewal by mail requires a completed Form DL 44 and takes about two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually faster.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval if you renew in person, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
Renewing in person at a driver services facility
In-person renewal is the most straightforward route. Go to any Illinois Secretary of State driver services facility with your documents. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving record and any medical conditions. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the facility is.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the Secretary of State website to see whether your local facility requires one. If you go without a reservation during peak hours, you may wait longer.
When you finish, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 10 business days in most cases.
Renewing by mail
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you have not had any major changes to your driving record. Complete Form DL 44, include copies of your documents (not originals), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order they arrive.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is faster.
Do not send original documents by mail — send copies only. Keep your current license until your new one arrives, since you will need it to drive legally in the meantime.
Renewing online
Illinois offers online renewal for some drivers. You are may be able to access if you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no medical restrictions on your license. You will need to upload a new photo and answer the same questions you would answer in person.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about the same time — your new license arrives within 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry while you wait for your permanent license.
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to start an online renewal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. Bring the same documents and follow the same steps, whether you choose in-person, mail, or online.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires taking the written test and the driving test again, and you will need to bring additional documents including proof of citizenship or legal residency. Contact a driver services facility or the Secretary of State to find out the full list of documents you need.
Fees and payment
The cost of renewal depends on how long your new license is valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. In-person and online renewal fees are the same; mail renewal costs slightly less because you are not using a facility.
At a driver services facility, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — the Secretary of State does not accept credit cards by mail. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card.
What to do if you have a medical condition or restriction
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as vision problems, seizures, or hearing loss — you may need to report it when you renew. Some conditions require a medical report form signed by your doctor before the Secretary of State will renew your license.
If your license currently has a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required), you will need to bring proof that the condition still exists or has been resolved. If you have developed a new medical condition since your last renewal, tell the staff member when you arrive. They will tell you whether you need a doctor's report before your renewal can be processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can renew normally.
What if I have changed my address but not yet updated my license?
Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) when you renew. The new address will be printed on your renewed license. You do not need to update your address separately before renewing.
How long does my renewed license last?
Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which option you choose at renewal. You will pay a lower fee for a four-year license and a higher fee for an eight-year license. Both are standard renewals with no difference in how they work.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, by mail or online. Mail renewal works the same way whether you are in Illinois or another state — send your completed form and documents to the address on the form. Online renewal also works from anywhere as long as you meet the age and status requirements.
What if my name on my Social Security card does not match my current license?
Bring both documents and explain the discrepancy to the staff member when you renew in person, or include a note with your mail renewal explaining the situation. If you have changed your name legally, bring the document that proves the change. The Secretary of State will update your records to match.