How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Illinois
Last week we looked at how to get a driver’s license in the state of Illinois at the age of 16. However, your license does not last forever. It needs to be renewed. In this blog, we will cover the four ways a citizen of Illinois can renew their driver’s license.
The Illinois Secretary of State will send you a notice approximately 60 to 90 days before your license expires. The expiration date is written on your license, and it is your responsibility to know when it expires. If you are between the ages of 22 and 81, your license should expire every four years. All licenses expire on your 21st birthday. Once, you reach the age of 81 your license will expire every 2 years until it goes down to every year when you reach 86.
In-Person: This is the most common way to renew a license. It is also the one that is available for the most people, more to come about this later. You must visit your designated Illinois Secretary of State facility in the area. Some locations have an appointment system, and some do a walk-in system. Be sure to research your location before you plan on showing up. A list of locations is linked below. They will ask you to complete a renewal application form, which you can only get from the facility, and pass a vision test. Be sure to bring your license that is about to expire and another proof of identification along with any additional information needed if you have changed personal details like address or name. A written exam may be required every 8 years. Sadly if you liked your picture, you will have to get a new one. The next step will be to pay the renewal fee through cash, check, or card. Your permanent license should arrive in about 15 days by mail.
Online: Online is probably the most convenient way, but not everybody qualifies. The Safe Driver qualifications are linked below, which allow you to renew your license online. Your notice will include a renewal authorization number. There also is a small online payment fee, but to perform this renewal process go to the Online Driver’s License Renewal Portal linked below. Input the authorization number and update any needed personal information. You will have to go in person if it is medical or vision-related. Pay the fee and your new license will arrive in about 15 days.
By Phone: You can also call (866) 545-9607. The process is similar to the online format, but you will be following the prompts over the phone. Being a Safe Driver is also a requirement for this process.
By Mail: If you do not like modern technology, this remote way of renewing your license is for you. When your notice arrives the proper documentation will be provided to perform this procedure if you qualify. Complete the paperwork and mail it in. This process will require more time for your license to get to you for it relies on the postal service.
Now you know the four ways to renew your driver’s license in Illinois. Being a Safe Driver opens the doors for renewing your license in different ways, but all are designed to renew the licenses of qualified drivers effectively.
Helpful Links:
Online Driver’s License Renewal Portal: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/renewonline.html
Qualifications for Safe Driver: Safe Driver qualifications
List of Illinois DMV Facility Locations: https://www.ilsos.gov/facilities/facilitylist.html
Renewal Phone Number: (866) 545-9607