Illinois Driver’s License Renewal: Everything You Need To Know


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Owning a driver’s license is one of the most critical aspects of living in a state. It allows you to drive, offers a form of identification, and proves you are a resident. Of course, every license has an expiration date. If you live in the state of Illinois, how can you go about the process of renewing the identification?

If you’re interested in the Illinois driver’s license renewal process, you’ve come to the right place. It’s critical to be familiar with every step involved if you live in the state, as being late could result in fines and other issues. Read on to learn more about the renewal process, how to renew in Illinois, fees and other penalties associated with missing the deadline, and more.

The Illinois Driver’s License Renewal Process

The Illinois driver’s license renewal isn’t too complicated for individuals. Here are the things you should know about the process of renewing your document:

  • Eligibility: You can’t just renew your license any time you want. There is typically a window you must hit, usually around six months before the expiration.
  • Methods of Renewal: There are in-person and online ways to renew your license. Your situation will dictate your ability to get a new one.
  • Required Documentation: You must prove your legal residence, ID, and more you renew your ID. These items might include birth certificates, Social Security cards, utility bills, and others.
  • Fees: There are fees associated with renewal, which may vary based on the person. Ensure you research the cost beforehand. 
  • Testing: You might need a vision or sign test before renewal. Ensure you check to see if you need to take this test ahead of time to prepare.

There is a structure that is easy to follow for the renewal process for a driver’s license in Illinois. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the entire process, including what you must pay and bring to avoid additional trouble.


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How To Renew Your Driver’s License in Illinois

If you want to renew your driver’s license in Illinois, there are two options available. You can repair it online or in-person depending on your qualifications and your situation in life. 

Online

Many might prefer to renew their license online, as it doesn’t require leaving the home. Here is the process if you want to get your new ID through the internet:

  1. Verify Eligibility: First, determine whether or not you are eligible to complete the process online. You qualify if you have a renewal notice with an online PIN, do not need to take a written exam, do not need to take a road test, and have information that will not change from your current license to your next.
  2. Log-in with information: If you qualify, use the provided PIN information to log in online.
  3. Fill out form: Enter the proper details in the application form and submit it.
  4. Wait for confirmation: Ensure you receive word that your form has been submitted. Once it is, you should gain a temporary printable ID option.
  5. Print temporary card: Print the paper selection and use it as your ID until the real one comes.
  6. Wait for a new license: Your new license should arrive in the mail soon after. It might take up to two weeks for the document to come.

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In-Person

If you don’t qualify online, you must gather your new license in-person. Here is the process if you want to get your identification in-person in Illinois:

  1. Find a nearby location: Determine your nearest DMV location. Some might be busier than others, so it might be good to travel a little out of your way.
  2. Put together required documents: Decide which documents you need ahead of time to prevent having to come back again on a different date.
  3. Fill out any necessary forms: Once you arrive at the DMV, fill out any necessary forms.
  4. Take any qualifying tests: If necessary, take a vision or written tests to access your renewed identification.
  5. Pay any fees: If there are any fees required, pay them with cash, a credit card, or check.
  6. Take your photo: Most agencies will take a photo of you for your new license.
  7. Get a temporary license: Once these processes are done, you will receive a paper one.
  8. Wait for new license: Your new ID should arrive in the mail within the month.

Fees, Penalties, and Missing the Renewal Deadline for Illinois Driver’s License Renewal

In the Illinois driver’s license renewal process, it’s critical to understand any fees, penalties, and other issues with missing the renewal deadline for your license. 

According to zutobi.com, you have up to a year to renew your license. However, there are no listed penalties or fees entailing what would happen if you missed that date. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to never renew your license. 

If you get pulled over without a renewed license, there could be serious consequences. Driving with an expired license could be a Class A misdemeanor and result in fines, jail time, and marks on your record for a long time.

It’s risky to drive without a current license. It’s in your best interest to renew it in Illinois as soon as you get into the appropriate range.


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Final Thoughts

If you want to undergo an Illinois driver’s license renewal, you may complete the process online or in-person, depending on your qualifications. Ensure you gather proper documentation, fees, and other information to help the process go by as efficiently as possible. Ensure you don’t miss the renewal date to prevent fines on the road. 

We hope this information was helpful! The renewal process for a driver’s license in Illinois isn’t too complicated, so most individuals should have little trouble completing the various steps associated with the refresh. It’s a part of life every citizen must participate in if they want to drive in Illinois to keep everyone safe and secure.



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