Wondering what you need and how you can renew your Illinois Driver's License? Here is the ultimate guide to quickly and easily renewing your Illinois driver license.
What You’ll Need to Renew your Illinois Driver License
- Present your current driver's license to verify your identity. If something about your identity has changed, verify the change with supporting documents.
- Complete the renewal application form available at a Facility.
- Proof of vision test.
- Have your picture taken.
- Renewal fee based on your age:
Ages 21–68: $30.00
Ages 69–80: $5.00
Ages 81–86: $2.00
Ages 87 and older: Free
The fee can be paid by card, check or cash.
What You’ll Need to Do to Renew your Illinois Driver License Online
You are eligible to renew online only if you meet all the following requirements:
- The Secretary of State's office has deemed you a "Safe Driver".
- The renewal letter that were sent to you contains your renewal authorization number.
- Pay for the renewal fee and a nominal online payment processing fee online.
To renew online, do the following:
- Visit the Safe Driver Renewal webpage of the Secretary of State's office.
- Enter the Renewal Authorization Number on the front of the renewal letter.
- Follow the displayed instructions.
- Pay the online renewal fee by card or withdrawal from your checking account.
The renewal fee will depend on your age when you renew:
Ages 22–68: $30.00
Ages 69–74: $5.00
What You’ll Need to Do to Renew your Illinois Driver License in Person
- Apply in person on a walk-in basis at a Secretary of State Facility.
- Complete the renewal application form available at a Facility.
- Pass a vision test.
- Present your current driver's license to verify your identity. If something about your identity has changed, verify the change with supporting documents.
- Have your picture taken.
- Pay the renewal fee based on your age:
Ages 21–68: $30.00
Ages 69–80: $5.00
Ages 81–86: $2.00
Ages 87 and older: Free
The fee can be paid by card, check or cash.
What You’ll Need to Do to Renew your Illinois Driver License by Mail
You can renew by mail only if the renewal letter sent to you by the Secretary of State office says so. In this case, follow the instructions in the letter.
After your renewal application is processed, the Secretary of State's office will mail your new license to you within 15 business days. You will not receive a temporary (paper) license in the meantime. Therefore, consider renewing at least 30 days before your existing license expires to ensure that your new license will arrive in time.
Here are Illinois driver's license renewal exceptions to note:
- You will need to take a written test once in 8 years while renewing your license if you have any traffic convictions. If you have an accident recorded on your driving record, you may be required to take the road exam as well.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you will have to pass vision, written and road tests.
- The Driver Services Facility will issue you a temporary (paper) driver's license, which will be valid for 90 days. Your permanent (plastic) license should be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Need more Illinois DMV help?
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