Illinois requires drivers 75 and older to renew their license every two years instead of every four, and to pass a vision test at each renewal
If you are 75 or older in Illinois, your license renewal cycle changed. Instead of renewing once every four years, you now renew every two years. The Illinois Secretary of State made this change to may support that older drivers have their vision and medical fitness checked more frequently. You will still renew in person at a Driver Services facility — you cannot renew by mail or online if you are in this age group.
The vision test is the main addition to your renewal process. You must pass a vision screening that checks whether you can see 20/40 or better with correction (glasses or contacts). If you fail the vision test, the facility will not issue your renewed license until you pass. You can retake the test the same day if you bring corrective lenses or have them adjusted.
Your renewal date does not change based on when you turn 75. If your license expires in 2025, you renew in 2025. The two-year cycle begins from that renewal date forward. So if you renewed at age 74 and got a four-year license, you will still use that license until it expires — then switch to the two-year cycle at your next renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers 75 and older in Illinois must renew their license every two years instead of every four years.
- You must pass a vision test at each renewal, checking that you can see 20/40 or better with correction.
- Renewal must happen in person at a Driver Services facility; mail and online renewal are not available for this age group.
- If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day if you bring corrective lenses or have them adjusted.
Where and how to renew your license
You must renew at a Driver Services facility run by the Illinois Secretary of State. You cannot renew at a currency exchange, police station, or any other location. Find the facility nearest you on the Secretary of State website, which lists all locations, hours, and whether appointments are available.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
Many facilities now offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website. Booking an appointment can reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are still accepted. If you have mobility issues or cannot travel to a facility, contact your local Driver Services office to ask about accommodations — some facilities have accessible parking and seating, and staff can sometimes information with paperwork.
What happens if you fail the vision test
If you cannot read the vision chart at 20/40 or better, even with correction, the facility will not issue your renewed license. You have three options: retake the test the same day with corrected vision, schedule a follow-up appointment after you have seen an eye doctor, or appeal the result.
If you retake the test the same day, bring your glasses or contacts if you do not have them with you. The facility will test you again at no extra cost. If you need to see an eye doctor first, schedule an appointment and return to the facility with an updated prescription. Bring your new glasses or contacts and the facility will test you again.
If you believe the test result was wrong, you can request a retest or ask the facility to send your case to the Secretary of State's Medical Review Unit. This process takes longer — typically several weeks — and you will need to provide medical documentation from an eye care professional. During this time, your license will expire, so you cannot legally drive.
Medical conditions and reporting requirements
Illinois law requires you to report certain medical conditions to the Secretary of State. These include epilepsy, loss of consciousness, diabetes controlled by insulin, and conditions that significantly affect your ability to drive safely. You do not report these at renewal — you report them when the condition is diagnosed or changes. Your doctor can report it, or you can contact the Secretary of State directly.
If you have reported a condition, the Secretary of State may require you to submit a medical report form (DL 43) completed by your doctor before your license is renewed. This form asks your doctor to assess whether your condition affects your driving ability. If your doctor says it does, your license may be suspended or restricted (for example, daylight driving only, or no highway driving).
You are not required to report conditions at renewal unless the Secretary of State asks you to. However, if you know you have a condition that affects your driving — such as severe arthritis, vision loss, or medication side effects — you can voluntarily report it. This protects you legally if you are in an accident, because it shows you acted responsibly.
Keeping your license valid between renewals
Your license remains valid for two years from the renewal date as long as you do not have a suspension, revocation, or medical hold. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, your license may be suspended for a period set by the court. If you report a medical condition and the Secretary of State determines it affects your driving, your license may be suspended until you provide updated medical documentation.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. You must wait out the suspension period or complete the steps required to reinstate it (usually paying a reinstatement fee and providing proof that the condition no longer affects your driving). Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Illinois and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
If you move out of Illinois before your license expires, you should renew it in your new state. Illinois will not renew your license by mail or online, and your Illinois license becomes invalid once you establish residency elsewhere. If you move back to Illinois, you will need to renew your license in person at a Driver Services facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew in person, or can I renew by mail?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Mail and online renewal are not available for drivers 75 and older because the vision test must be done face-to-face. You can book an appointment to reduce wait time, but you cannot complete the renewal any other way.
What if I fail the vision test and cannot get an eye appointment right away?
Your license will expire on its scheduled date. You cannot legally drive while waiting for an eye appointment or for your vision to improve. Once you see an eye doctor and get new glasses or contacts, return to the facility with your updated prescription and retake the test. If you need more time, contact the facility to ask about extending your appointment or requesting a medical hold that pauses the expiration date.
Does the two-year renewal explore if I have a commercial driver's license?
The two-year renewal cycle applies to regular driver's licenses only. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have their own renewal rules set by federal law. Contact the Secretary of State or your local Driver Services facility to confirm the renewal timeline for your CDL.
What if my doctor says I should not drive, but I disagree?
If your doctor submits a medical report saying you should not drive, the Secretary of State will review it and may suspend your license. You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Contact the Secretary of State's Medical Review Unit to request a hearing and learn what documentation you need to provide. You have the right to present your own medical evidence at the hearing.
Can I renew my license early if I know I will be out of state when it expires?
Illinois allows early renewal up to one year before your license expires. You can renew early at any Driver Services facility. Your new license will be valid for two years from the renewal date, so plan accordingly if you are relocating.