Ilsos.gove (2024)

FAQs

How can I check the status of my driver's license in Illinois? ›

You may verify your license status by visiting the IDFPR website License Look-Up feature and following the instructions listed. The Department considers License Look-Up to be the most accurate and current evidence of the status of your license as it is updated daily.

You may schedule an appointment online at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649. Available times for each facility will be posted for that day. There will also be dates in advance with time slots that are available.

Appointments are required for certain services, including for obtaining a REAL ID, driver's license or ID card as well as in-car driving tests. If you're looking to make an appointment, you can schedule one at the Secretary of State's website here or call 844-817-4649.

In person – Visit your nearest Secretary of State facility, currency exchange or participating bank. Bring your renewal notice and payment. Acceptable payments include cash, check, credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) or traveler's check.

The hearing officer considers the seriousness of the offense, the offender's overall driving record and the driver's remedial efforts. File proof of financial responsibility prior to reinstatement, pay $500 reinstatement fee, pass the driver's license exam (written, vision and driving) and pay application fee.

The most efficient way to obtain your record is to purchase and print your driving record abstract using the Driving Record Abstract system. To use this service you must have a valid credit/debit card and a printer with the ability to print PDF documents. There will be a $20 charge plus a payment processor fee.

According to the state, the fee for a REAL ID is the same as it is for a standard Illinois driver's license or state ID. That means the cost of either an Illinois driver's license, or a REAL ID complaint driver's license, is $30.

The written exam consists of 35 questions, 15 of which will address traffic sign identification, and the remaining 20 will either be multiple-choice or true-false questions. During the driver's license applica tion/renewal process, you will be asked if you wish to join the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry.

No. An applicant will still be required to successfully complete all the proper testing when they come to a Secretary of State facility. These tests include a vision, written and behind-the-wheel road test.

Everyone must take a written exam every eight years except those having no traffic convictions. If you have an accident recorded on your driving record, you may be required to take the written and/or road exams.

Can Illinois driver's license be renewed online? ›

How do I renew my Driver's License online? It's as easy as Four Simple Steps: Type in your renewal authorization number which is located at the top of your renewal notice. Follow directions on screen and verify your information.

Yes. The renewal letter is not required to renew a driver's license. The license may be renewed up to one year before the expiration date.

Receive Your Plate Discount

The Illinois Department on Aging's office sends eligible persons a notification after they are accepted into the Benefit Access program. When you buy license plates or renew your license plate sticker, you must submit the notification to verify that you are qualified for the discount.

Secretary of State Facility Location

You must schedule an appointment for REAL ID, driver's license and ID card services, and in-car driving tests at all Chicago and suburban DMVs and 20 of our busiest DMVs downstate.

Motorists are allowed to drive without an up-to-date vehicle renewal sticker on their license plate as long as they have the receipt from the Secretary of State showing that they bought the sticker before expiration. The receipt is valid for up to 30 days from the expiration of the previous registration sticker's date.

Individuals should allow up to 15 business days. The temporary secure paper document is valid for up to 90 days. If you have waited more than 15 business days and your card still has not arrived, please check your Driver's License Status online or call 217-782-7044.

To verify the status of your registration, you may call 800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois) or 217-785-3000 (outside Illinois) and a customer service representative can tell you when and where the registration was renewed.

What if My License is Expired? You have up to one year to renew an expired license in Illinois. If you fail to renew in the time period, you will be required to take additional tests to renew your card. There are no listed penalty fees for late renewals.

Illinois License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

Time limits: Drivers age 21 through 80 are issued licenses that are good for four years that expire on their birthdays. Those ages 81 through 86 must renew their licenses every two years. And drivers age 87 and older must renew their licenses every year.