Documents Needed For Illinois Drivers License

Required Documents For Illinois Drivers License Renewal
Documents For Illinois Drivers License Renewal
Illinois Driver's License Requirement

Fees are required for all corrected documents. Drivers who hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must notify the Secretary of State's office of an address change or name change within 10 days and must obtain a corrected CDL hard card within 30 days. Information on this website is collected and provided for the convenience of the user. How to Replace Your Illinois Drivers License. To obtain a DMV duplicate license in IL, you must appear in person at a driver services office with the documents listed above and a form of payment the fee. If your original copy of drivers license documentation was stolen, then bring a copy of your police report.

How to Renew Your Driver's License in Illinois

To renew an IL driver's license, you can either:

Log on to the Illinois Secretary of State(SOS) website and pay the renewal fee according to your age group.
Mail in your driver's license renewal notice.
Call the SOS and follow your notice instruction to renew by phone.
OR
Visit an Illinois SOS office with your renewal notice and proof of identification.
For more details on these driver's license renewal option, please see below.

Illinois REAL ID Driver's License

The Illinois SOS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2020, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—your standard license will not after this date. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or non-compliant ID upon renewal—details are outlined below.

When to Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

The Illinois Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) will send you a renewal notice 60 to 90 days before your driver's license expires.

Depending on your age, your IL driver's license will be valid for different lengths of time:

21 to 80 years old: 4 years (expires on your birthday).
81 to 86 years old: 2 years.
87 years old and older: must renew every year.

Valid Driver's License

You can renew your valid IL driver's license at different times depending on how long your current card is valid for:

Driver licenses valid for 2 years or 4 years: Up to 1 year before the expiration date.
Driver's license valid 1 year: Up to 6 months before the expiration date.

If you're under 21 years old, you must renew your IL driver's license 3 months after your 21st birthday.

NOTE: If your license is going to expire tomorrow, the IL SOS recommends you visit your nearest IL DMV office to ensure you have a valid IL driver license prior to it expiring.

Expired Driver's License

Do NOT drive if your IL driver license or motorcycle license has expired.

If your IL driver's license has been expired for 1 year or less, you are still eligible for renewal.

If you let your Illinois driver license stay expired for more than 1 year, you cannot renew your IL driver license online and you may be subject to additional testing requirements.

For more information on this process, please read our pages about Applying for a New IL License (Drivers 18+) or Applying for a New Teen License in Illinois.

Suspended & Revoked Driver's Licenses

If you have a suspended IL driver license, the IL SOS will take away your driving privilege temporarily or until you meet specific reinstatement requirements. You cannot renew your suspended driver's license in Illinois until it has been reinstated.

If your IL driver's license is revoked, you lose the privilege to drive and will not be able to reapply for your IL driver license until you appear before a Secretary of State hearing office

Since you cannot renew your suspended IL driver license, you may choose to apply for an IL state ID card as a form of valid identification. Visit our pages about IL Identification Cards and Suspended Licenses for more information.

Lost or Stolen Driver's License

If your Illinois driver license is lost or stolen, read our Replacing a Lost License in Illinois page to find out how to apply for a duplicate driver's license in Illinois.

You may need it for identification purposes when submitting your IL driver license renewal application.

If your lost IL driver's license is due for renewal, you can renew it instead of replacing it.

Illinois Driver License Renewal Requirements

Check your Illinois driver's license renewal notice to find out if you must renew your IL driver license online, bymail, byphone, or inperson at your local Illinois DMV office.

Q: Which license can I travel with after 2020?

A: One of the biggest ways the REAL ID act will affect most Americans is in domestic travel. After October 2020, you will NOT be able to use a standard (non-compliant) license as your proof of ID an airport. Only the REAL ID will be accepted. If you prefer a non-compliant license, you'll need to bring additional proof of identification (like your passport).

Your renewal notice will give you the information you need to renew your IL driver's license, including:

Renewal options (online, by mail, by phone, or in person).*
Your 14-digit renewal authorization number.
Testing requirements (if applicable):
- If you're required to retake the Illinois drive exam during the IL renewal process, you'll also be asked to provefinancialresponsibility with a minimum of liabilityinsurance. For more information about the IL road test, see the IL Driver Handbook.
Fees (see the “Fees to Renew Your IL Driver License' section below).

The IL SOS office will mail your renewed IL driver's license to your address on file within 15 business days. If you don't receive it, contact the IL SOS to check the status of your license renewal.

*NOTE: If you are upgrading from a non-compliant license to a federally compliant REAL ID license, you MUST visit the SOS in person for renewal and resubmit all required identity documents. The SOS offers a guide to acceptable proofs.

Social Security Number Verification

Your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be up to date before the Illinois SOS will issue your renewed IL driver's license.

The Illinois SOS must be able to verify your Social Security number (SSN), name, and date of birth with the SSA in order to process your request.

Address & Name Changes

You must notify the Illinois SOS office within 10 days of your name change OR change of address if you hold a valid IL driver license.

You need to first change your name and/or address on file with the IL SOS before you renew your IL driver's license online.

For more information about changes to your IL driver's license, please read our pages about changing your address or changing your name in Illinois.

Renewing Your IL Driver's License

Depending on your circumstances, you can renew your driver's license in Illinois:

Online.
By mail.
By phone.
In person.

If you are upgrading from a non-compliant license to a federally compliant REAL ID license, you MUST visit the SOS in person for renewal and resubmit all required identity documents. The SOS offers a guide to acceptable proofs.

Online

If you're eligible to renew your Illinois driver license online, visit the Illinois SOS driver license renewal page.

You can only renewyour IL driver's license online if the Illinois SOS considers you a safe driver. Your IL driving record must be clean for at least 4 years, and you must also meet other requirements, including the following:

You must be over 22 years old and under 74 years old.
Your driving privileges must not be suspended, cancelled, or revoked in any state.
Your IL driver's license must NOT have expired more than 1 year ago.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements for the Illinois Safe Driver renewal program, please visit the IL Secretary of State website.

By Mail

To renew your IL driver's license with the Illinois SOS by mail, you'll need:

A completed IL driver's license renewal notice.
If you recently moved, be sure to include your change of address information.
Payment for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your IL Driver's License' section below.

Send the above documents to the address specified on your renewal notice.

The IL DMV will process and mail your renewed IL driver license within 15 business days.

NOTE: If you changed your address, you may need to provide 1 document to prove your residency during your next visit at your local IL DMV office.

By Phone

If the IL SOS office sends you a renewal notice stating you're eligible for their “Safe Driver Renewal,' you can renew anytime by calling (866) 545-9607.

For information on specific fees and acceptable payment methods, please view the section “Fees to Renew Your IL Driver's License' below.

In Person

You can renew your IL driver's license up to 1 year before it expires if you have a license that was valid 2 years or 4 years.

To renew your IL driver license inperson at your local IL DMV office, you will need:

Your valid Illinois driver's license.
Your ILrenewalnotice.
Required proof of identity, if you're upgrading to a REAL ID.
Payment for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your IL Driver's License' section below.
To take a:
- Vision test.
- Driving test, if you are over 75 years old.
- Written and/or road test, if you have a traffic incident on your Illinois driving record.

NOTE: You will be required to take a written exam in Illinois every 8 years, unless you have not received a traffic ticket.

If you need to change your name or address, you will also need to prove your identity with:

1 document from Group A, such as your:
- Current IL driver's license.
- Current out-of-state driver's license.
- Major credit/debit card.
1 document from Group D if your address has changed.

The SOS provides a complete list of acceptable identification documents.

The IL SOS will update your IL driver's license with a new photo and issue your renewed IL driver license before you leave the facility.

Military Renewal Deferment in Illinois

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're stationed outside of Illinois on active military duty, OR you are a civilian member of the DoD or U.S. Armed Forces, you may drive with an expired driver license for up to 120 days after returning to the state. The same rule applies for your dependents and spouse.

You must carry a Military Deferral Certificate with your expired IL driver's license. To request one at no charge, you'll need:

A copy of:
- Your current Illinois driver's license.
- The front and back of your military ID card.
A statement noting your out-of-state mailing address.

Send the above to:

Secretary of State
License and Medical Review Unit
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL 62723

To get specific information about the status of your specific license renewal situation, call (217) 782-2720.

Fees to Renew Your IL Driver's License

The following fees apply when renewing your driver's license in Illinois:

18 to 20 years old: $5.
21 to 68 years old: $30.
69 to 80 years old: $5.
81 to 86 years old: $2.
87 years old and older: Free.
Class M (motorcycle license): $5.
Upgrade to Class M (motorcycle license): $10.

NOTE: If you renew your Illinois driver license online, you must pay an additional $1.75 fee.

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Required Documents For Illinois Drivers License Renewal

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Getting a New Illinois Driver's License

You must obtain an Illinois driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

This page deals with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) requirements for:

Illinois residents who are considered first-time driver license applicants.*
New IL residents.
Non-citizens living in Illinois.

NOTE: If you're a teenager, you must work your way through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which includes steps such as getting a learner's permit and passing Driver's Ed. Visit our Teen Drivers section for more information.

* During some situations—such as license revocation, cancellation, or long-term expiration—the IL SOS might direct you to apply for a new license when eligible.

Illinois REAL ID Driver's License

New to Illinois?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You can drive with your out-of-state license for up to 90 days.

To apply for your IL driver's license, visit your local SOS Driver Services Facility with:

Your out-of-state license. You must surrender your old license.
Required proofs of ID.
- See “Apply for Your IL Driver's License' below for details.
Payment for applicable new driver's license fees (see “IL Driver License Fees' below).

Also, be prepared to pass the vision and written exams.

The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) doesn't generally require driving tests for new-to-Illinois residents with valid out-of-state driver licenses, but agents do reserve the right to choose whether you must take one. For more information, contact your Driver Services Facility.

Types of Illinois Driver Licenses

Illinois offers the following types of noncommercial Illinois driver licenses:

Class D license (non-compliant and REAL ID-compliant):
- Class D licenses are the most common licenses. They allow you to operate regular passenger cars and trucks.
Restricted local driver licenses:
- These licenses are given to residents in towns with small populations who only want to drive within certain local areas, such as to the grocery store.

See “Apply for Your IL Driver's License' to learn how to apply.

Other Licenses

Visit these pages if you need another type of Illinois driver's license:

Teen Drivers (GDL).
- Covers GDL requirements, learner's permits, and education requirements.
Motorcycle License (or Class M).
- Covers the requirements for getting a motorcycle license or Class M endorsement.
Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- Covers all the steps to getting a Class A, B, C, or D CDL.

Illinois Driver's License Eligibility Requirements

Generally, you're eligible for a new Illinois driver's license if you:

Don't have a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver's license.
Have a clear driver record.
- Example: You wouldn't be eligible to apply for a new license if you have an expired driver's license and you have outstanding traffic ticket debts on your record.
Have NOT been deemed unfit or unsafe to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways by a court or other authorized party.

Check our Driving Records and Suspended License pages for more information on getting your license back on track.

Apply for Your New Illinois Driver's License

Documents for illinois drivers license renewal

The steps to apply for your license will vary based on the type of license you're applying for (Class D or restricted local license) as well as whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license.

IL Class D Driver's License

Q: Which license can I use to board an airplane?

The Illinois Class D license is the license most Illinois drivers need. It allows you to operate regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.

To apply for a new Class D driver's license, visit your nearest Driver Services Facility and:

Present the required ID documents. These documents cannot be photocopies. The IL SOS provides a complete list, but be prepared to show:
- 1 document that satisfies Group A, B, and C.
  - Group A covers your written signature, such as a canceled check or passport.
  - Group B covers your Social Security number, including your Social Security Card or military discharge papers.
  - Group C covers your date of birth, such as a birth certificate or court order.
  - Group D proves your residency. Examples include bank statements or credit reports.
- Proof of residency—This differs based on whether you want an Illinois REAL ID or non-compliant license. You'll need:
  - 2 documents for a federally compliant REAL ID driver license.
  - 1 document for a non-compliant license.
Pass your vision exam, written permit test, and driving test.*
- The IL SOS also doesn't require a learner's permit first, but you can request one to practice if you want.
- Remember, new residents holding a valid driver's license will likely not need to take the driving test.
Pay the applicable new driver's license fee.
See “IL Driver License Fees' below.

NOTE: New drivers 18 through 20 years old who have not previously had a driver's license must complete an Adult Driver Education course in order to be eligible for a driver's license.

Pass The Written Test With Ease

If you want to prepare for the written exam the SOS suggests to study the Illinois Driver Manual. In addition we suggest using an online practice test from our certified partner. It's the best way to ensure passing on your first attempt.

Your new driver's license is validfor:

4 years, if you are 21 to 80 years old.
2 years, if you are 81 to 86 years old.
1 year, if you are 87 years old or older.

*You have 3 attempts to pass your written permit test and/or driving test(s) in a period of 1 year.

Medical Conditions

Generally, drivers with vision, physical, or mental health issues must complete (along with their medical professionals) a Medical Report (Form DSD DC-163).

Please contact your local Illinois Driver Services Facility if you're unsure whether your condition requires a report.

Restricted Local Driver's License in Illinois

Restricted local licenses are designed for people who live in low-population areas ( 3,500 people or less) and would like licenses to drive only within certain areas, for example to the local bank or grocery store.

You apply for a restricted local license the same way you apply for a new regular Class D driver's license (see above) EXCEPT you must also provide the route(s) within your small town you wish to travel for your driving test.

Once you leave the Illinois Driver Services Facility:

An agent forwards your application to the Special License Unit.
Upon approval, you must pass a driving test involving the routes you want to travel.
The Special License Unit will receive your results and, if you pass, mail you your restricted local driver's license.

Illinois Driver's License Fees

Documents For Illinois Drivers License Renewal

Fees for a new Illinois driver's license are as follows:

18 to 20 years old: $5.
21 to 68 years old: $30.
69 to 80 years old: $5.
81 to 86 years old: $2.
87 years old and older: Free.

Non-Citizens and New Illinois Driver's Licenses

A non-citizen driver's license in IL is called a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Note that NOT everyone is eligible.

You WON'T APPLY for a TVDL IF:

You're eligible for a Social Security number.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Foreign Missions requires you to obtain a regular Illinois driver's license.

You WILL APPLY for a TVDL if:

You're a non-citizen with legal, temporary entry into the country.
You're temporarily living in Illinois.
You're ineligiblefor a Social Security number.
You can provide U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services documentation verifying your legal presence.
Your legal presence is authorized for at least 1 year and you have at least 6 months remaining.

Applying for a TVDL

Illinois Driver's License Requirement

To apply for an Illinois TVDL, visit your nearest Driver Services Facility and:

Present the same ID documents as required of regular citizens (i.e. written signature, date of birth, residency) EXCEPT for the Social Security number.
Provide a valid passport or consular identification card.
Pass vision exam, written permit test, and driving test.
Present proof that you've completed 6 hours of approved, adult driver education if you are between 18 and 20 years old.
Pay the applicable fee.

Your TVDL expires after 3 years, or once your legal stay ends (whichever comes first).

Learner's Permits

The SOS doesn't require you to obtain a permit before taking your driving test; however, if you want a permit to practice, you must apply at a Driver Service Facility.

Forms

DSD DC-163

Medical Report

Submit this form to disclose the state of your physical and mental health so the Illinois SOS can properly assess your driving capabilities. To be completed with a medical professional.

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form

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