Renew Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's online system, by mail, or at a Driver Services facility. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license qualifies for remote renewal. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your license is may be able to access for online or mail renewal if you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had more than two consecutive renewals by mail. If you are 70 or older, you must renew in person. If your license is expired by more than five years, you also need to visit a facility.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through cyberdriveillinois.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $95 for a four-year license or $150 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice you received in the mail, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility requires an appointment booked through the Secretary of State website and takes about 30 minutes.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewals, or two to three weeks for mail renewals.
- You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Online Renewal Through the Secretary of State Website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.
The fee is $95 for a four-year license or $150 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After you submit the form and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the Secretary of State, you can renew by mail without visiting a facility. The notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash.
The fee is the same as online renewal: $95 for four years or $150 for eight years. Mail processing takes two to three weeks, so your new license will arrive later than with online renewal. If you did not receive a renewal notice and your license is not yet expired, you can request one by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visiting cyberdriveillinois.com.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Facility
You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, your license expired more than five years ago, or you have already renewed by mail twice in a row. Book an appointment through cyberdriveillinois.com by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" and choosing your nearest facility. Walk-ins are not accepted; you must have a scheduled time slot.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The fee is $95 for four years or $150 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The appointment takes about 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What to Bring and Documents You Need
For online renewal, you need only your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system does not require you to upload documents.
For mail renewal, include the renewal notice you received, your signed form, and a check or money order. Do not include your current license unless the notice specifically asks for it.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license and one document that proves your current address. The Secretary of State accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and address. If you have moved and your license still shows an old address, bring proof of your new address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or passport unless you are also updating your address or name.
Timeline: When Your New License Arrives
Online renewal is the fastest option. After you submit your form and payment, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You should receive it within two weeks in most cases.
Mail renewal takes longer because the Secretary of State must receive your form, process it, and mail your license back. This usually takes two to three weeks total, but can take longer during busy periods.
In-person renewal also results in a license mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment. You do not receive the license at the facility; it is always mailed to your address on file.
You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, even if your current license is expired, as long as you have proof that you have renewed (such as your confirmation number from online renewal or your appointment confirmation).
Updating Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask if your address is still correct. If not, enter your new address before you submit. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form or include a note with your mailed renewal packet.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot update it during a straightforward renewal. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and enter your license number and Social Security information. For mail renewal, call 217-782-6900 and ask them to mail you a renewal form, or visit a facility in person.
How long is my new license valid?
You can choose a four-year license for $95 or an eight-year license for $150 when you renew. The eight-year option is better value if you plan to keep the same address and do not expect major changes.
Can I renew early?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Early renewal does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one year after your current license would have expired.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew while your license is suspended or revoked. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.