[2024 Updated] How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

If you are reading this article, you have probably received a driver’s license renewal reminder sent by the Secretary of State’s office. You may find the process confusing if you have not done it before. Typically, you will have 60-90 days to finish the renewal application. This article will guide you through the process. 

When Do I Need to Renew my Illinois Driver’s License?

By law, there are different time intervals for each age group. Drivers who are 18 to 21 must renew their driver’s licenses within three months after their 21st birthday. For drivers who are 21 to 80, the renewal interval is every four years. You can check the date on your driver’s license. For drivers aged between 81 to 86, they must renew their driver’s license every two years. If a driver is 87 or older, he or she must renew his or her license every year. The expiration date should match your birthday (mm/dd).

What Do I Need to Renew My Illinois Driver’s License?

The next step before going to a local DMV is to prepare your proof of identity. The acceptable documents are a current driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement with name and address, Social Security Number, birth certificate, and passport. You may also need to clear any outstanding tests. Photos used to be required, but most DMVs now have a camera behind the counter. There is an application fee depending on age. 

Driver’s License Renewal Illinois: Three Ways

The DMV offers three ways to renew your driver’s license at your convenience; however, there are requirements for whether you are qualified for an online or mail-in process. 

Renewing Online

Online renewal is available if one fulfills the following criteria:

• No outstanding test or exam
• Not applying for or already have a Real ID
• Clean record; no outstanding fee and fine
• Receiving a 14-digi pin with the renewal reminder note
• Go to this website to check your eligibility

Actual steps if you satisfy the above criteria:

• Go to the renew webpage

• Login using the authorization pin provided in the reminder
• Fill out the renewal form with your information and submit
• Wait for confirmation and print a temporary ID if the expiration is less than a month
• Wait for the new ID to come

Renewing Offline

You can go to any DMV in the state to renew your driver’s license in person. It is recommended to make an appointment before going to save time. You also need to prepare for the following steps:

• Fill out the application form on-site 
• Do the vision test. If you come with a driver’s license that expired more than a year ago, you will have to do the vision, written, and road tests again
• Present your current driver’s license; make sure to include any acceptable document if you have any changes, such as address
• Have your picture taken 
• Pay the fee
• Receive a temporary driver’s license and wait for the new driver’s license to arrive

Renewing by Mail

The renewing by mail procedure has similar criteria to the online renewing process. The renewal notice will have a full instruction. Once you fill out the application form and mail it back, the DMV will mail your new driver’s license to the address you leave. 

Cost to Renew Drivers License in Illinois

Costs to renewal vary depending on age groups. The following chart is a cost breakdown:

How Long Can I Get the New Driver’s License?

You will get a temporary driver’s license immediately. The DMV states it takes about 15 business days to ship a new driver’s license. Depending on the workload at the DMV,  a new driver’s license may take 3 to 4 weeks to make and ship to your address on record. 

What Happens if You Drive with an Expired Driver’s License in Illinois?

Technically you will be ok if you don’t get caught; however, there would be serious consequences if you get caught driving with an expired driver’s license in Illinois depending on the circumstances. 

• You will get a ticket and a fine of up to $1000 If you drive with a driver’s license that has expired less than a year, 
• A court hearing summons 
• By law, driving with a driver’s license that has expired more than a year is considered a Class B Misdemeanor. The penalty can be a fine of up to $1500 and 180 days in prison
• You may be arrested if you commit other violations or crimes such as hit-and-run, driving under the influence (DUI), or reckless driving

FAQ

📌Is a driving test required for renewal of a Licence in Illinois?

No, if you renew it within a year after the expiration day. If you renew it after one year, a vision, written, and road test are required. 

📌Can I renew my Illinois driver’s license if it has expired?

Yes, if you don’t drive or get caught driving with an expired driver’s license, you just need to retake the vision, written, and road test. If you get caught driving with an expired driver’s license, there would be a fine, prison sentence, or both. Besides that, you can still renew your driver’s license after these penalties. In addition, there would be suspension time depending on whether you have committed the same violation before:

📌Can I check my Illinois driver’s license status online?

Driver’s license mailing status check is available. You just need to enter your driver’s license ID and date of issuance on this webpage.

📌Is my Illinois driver’s license a REAL ID?

Not necessarily. A REAL ID is a new form of legal identification with higher security standards that are required to be used when traveling domestically. A REAL ID driver’s license is a REAL ID. Compared to a regular driver’s license, it has a gold star on the top right corner. You can apply for a REAL ID when you need to renew your driver’s license. If the expiration date has not yet come, you can still apply for a REAL ID driver’s license for a cheaper fee. 

Wrap Up

The DMV offers many convenient ways to renew your driver’s license. If you have a good driving record and the required documents ready, the best way is to do it online. Being able to drive a car legally is essential to living in the States, so make sure to keep your license valid and renew it on time.