What You Pay to Renew Your Illinois License

An Illinois driver's license renewal costs $30 if you renew by mail or online, or $35 if you renew in person at a Secretary of State office. The price depends on which method you choose and whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license (which costs an extra $20 on top of the base fee). If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to take a written test and vision test, which adds time but not an extra fee to the renewal itself.

The $30 or $35 covers the license itself and processing. You do not pay separately for the card, the background check, or the photograph. If you are renewing by mail, you will also pay postage to send in your documents, which is typically a few dollars depending on how you mail it. Some people choose certified mail for tracking, which costs more than standard mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mail renewals cost $30; in-person renewals at a Secretary of State office cost $35.
  • A Real ID-compliant license adds $20 to your renewal fee, bringing the total to either $50 (mail/online) or $55 (in person).
  • If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an office in person, but the fee remains the same.
  • Postage costs are separate if you renew by mail, so budget an extra few dollars depending on how you send your documents.

Standard License Versus Real ID

Illinois offers two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license costs the base fee ($30 online/mail or $35 in person). A Real ID license costs an additional $20, making the total $50 (online/mail) or $55 (in person).

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. You need a Real ID to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base. If you do not fly or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you renew, so the decision is yours based on your needs.

How to Renew by Mail for $30

Mail renewal is the cheapest option at $30 and works if your license expired less than a year ago. You will need to send the Secretary of State's office your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the Illinois Secretary of State website), and a new photograph. The photograph must be a color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months.

Mail your documents to the address listed on the renewal form. Processing takes about two to three weeks once the office receives your envelope. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. If you want to track your envelope, use certified mail, which costs extra but gives you proof of delivery.

Online Renewal for $30

Online renewal also costs $30 and is available if your license expired less than a year ago. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a digital photograph. The photograph must be a color image, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. You can take the photo yourself with a smartphone or have it taken at a pharmacy or photo studio.

The Illinois Secretary of State website has a renewal portal where you upload your photo and pay the $30 fee by credit or debit card. Processing takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. Online renewal is faster than mail because you do not wait for postal delivery of your process.

In-Person Renewal at a Secretary of State Office for $35

Renewing in person costs $35 and is required if your license expired more than a year ago. You will need to bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photograph and run a vision test on the spot.

Secretary of State offices are located in most Illinois counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website and check their hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. You will receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's processing speed.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than a Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person. The fee is still $35 (or $55 for Real ID). The office will take a new photograph, run a vision test, and may ask you to take a written test about traffic laws and road signs.

The written test is not automatic — the examiner decides whether you need to take it based on how long your license has been expired and your driving record. If you do need to take it, the test is free and covers Illinois traffic rules. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, available free on the Secretary of State website. Bring your Social Security number and proof of residency when you go.

Payment Methods and What Is Included in the Fee

For online and mail renewals, you pay by credit card or debit card. For in-person renewals, most Secretary of State offices accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some offices may have restrictions, so check before you go. The renewal fee covers the license card, processing, the photograph, and the vision test (if done in person).

The fee does not cover postage if you renew by mail. If you choose certified mail for tracking, that cost is separate and comes out of your pocket. The fee also does not cover a replacement if you lose your license after renewal — a replacement license costs $20 and requires a separate transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. The fee is $35 (or $55 for Real ID). You may need to take a written test and vision test, but these are free.

Do I have to get a Real ID when I renew?

No. You can choose a standard license or a Real ID license when you renew. A Real ID costs $20 extra. You only need a Real ID if you fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Mail and online renewals take two to three weeks. In-person renewals are faster — you may get your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.

What if I do not have a photograph for mail or online renewal?

You will need to renew in person instead. The Secretary of State office will take a photograph for you as part of the in-person renewal process. The fee is $35 (or $55 for Real ID).

Can I pay by check or money order?

For online renewal, you must use a credit or debit card. For mail renewal, check your renewal form for accepted payment methods — some offices accept checks, but this varies. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, credit, and debit cards.