How to renew your Illinois driver's license

You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online through the Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.

Your license expires on your birthday. Illinois sends a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website works only if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo or address change.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must include a copy of your current license and proof of residency.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
  • Illinois charges $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal, with no additional fees for standard renewals.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common method. Go to the Secretary of State's online services portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current address and photo on file. If both are correct, you can pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card and finish in one visit.

Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If you need to update your photo or address, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a Secretary of State facility. read the DL 43 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with a photocopy of your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after approval. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal—$30 for four years or $60 for eight years—and you can use it even if your address has changed, as long as you provide proof of the new address.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address without mailing documents. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address.

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many facilities allow you to check wait times online before you go. The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

What to bring and what documents you need

For any renewal method, have your current driver's license number and date of birth ready. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring the documents listed below:

  • Your current driver's license (or a photocopy for mail renewal)
  • Proof of residency dated within the last 60 days: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address
  • Your Social Security number (you will enter it online or provide it in person)
  • If changing your address, proof of your new address in the same form as above

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, only the number. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you lost your license or it was stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must go in person and report the loss.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Illinois charges $30 to renew for four years or $60 to renew for eight years. These are the only fees for a standard renewal. You do not pay extra for a new photo, address change, or any other standard update. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $10 and you must go in person. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, there is no extra charge, but you must renew in person and bring additional documents to prove your citizenship and identity. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Illinois, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed. If your license has expired and you need to drive, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility before you get behind the wheel.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to take the written test and vision test again, depending on how long it has been. Contact your local Secretary of State facility or call the main office to ask what tests you will need before you go in. Some facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if my address has changed?

No. Online renewal works only if your address on file is still correct. If you have moved, you must renew by mail (with proof of your new address) or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is faster—you receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license or the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I lost my driver's license before it expired?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost or stolen. You must go in person to a Secretary of State facility, report the loss, and pay a $10 fee for a duplicate. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a Real ID license to renew in Illinois?

No. A standard driver's license renewal does not require Real ID. However, Real ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring documents proving your citizenship and identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to take the written test and vision test again. Call your local facility before you go to find out what tests you will need.