Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you want to change your address or photo.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person. If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other information, online renewal is the fastest option.

For any renewal method, you will need your current or expired Illinois driver's license number. If you are renewing in person, bring a photo ID (your license counts), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The Secretary of State website lists acceptable documents for address proof — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days usually works.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license if your license expired fewer than 12 months ago and you have not changed your name or address.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the same documents as online renewal, plus a completed process form and payment.
  • In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is required if your license expired more than 12 months ago or if you need a new photo.
  • The Secretary of State office appointment system lets you book a time slot online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for in-person renewal, or within two to three weeks for mail renewal.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to sos.illinois.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your Driver's License" and enter your license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

You will answer questions about whether your address, name, and other information are still correct. If everything matches your current situation, you can proceed to payment. The fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Pay by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it means your license expired more than 12 months ago, you have changed your name, or there is a flag on your record. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes to your information. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form, a copy of your current or expired license, proof of your current address, and a check or money order for $30 (four-year license) or $60 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office

Visit sos.illinois.gov and use the office locator to find the Secretary of State facility nearest you. You can book an appointment online through the appointment system, which shows available time slots. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $30 or $60. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are renewing because your license expired more than 12 months ago, in-person renewal is your only option. The same applies if you want a new photo, have changed your name, or need to update your address.

Costs and how long renewal takes

A four-year license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $60. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for online, mail, or in-person renewal. Payment methods depend on your renewal method: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards, mail renewal requires a check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Online renewal is the fastest: you get a confirmation number when ready, and your license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date received, plus mailing time on both ends. In-person renewal is also 7 to 10 business days for delivery, but you can book an appointment within days and complete the visit in minutes.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person. The office staff will tell you what steps are required to lift the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or failure to pay a reinstatement fee. Each situation is different. The Secretary of State office can explain what you owe and how to resolve it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license at the same visit.

Changing your photo or address during renewal

If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to change your photo — your new license will use the photo from your current or most recent license.

You can change your address online or by mail, as long as you provide proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you are renewing in person, bring the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The office staff will process your renewal the same way as a current license.

What if I lost my license and do not have the number?

You can still renew in person. Bring your proof of address and payment to a Secretary of State office, and staff will look up your record using your name and date of birth. If you want to renew online or by mail, you will need your license number, so in-person renewal is your best option.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for in-person renewal, or within two to three weeks for mail renewal. Online renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. If you need your license urgently, renew in person and ask the office whether they can issue a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

Yes, but you must renew in person. Bring your current or expired license, a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and payment. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

What if I want to change from a four-year to an eight-year license?

You can upgrade to an eight-year license at any renewal. The cost is $60 instead of $30. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, select the eight-year option when you pay. If you renew in person, tell the office staff you want the eight-year license.