This information is brought to by the Illinois Secretary of State and you can find the information on their website.

Driver's License Renewal

How often do I have to be tested to keep my driver's license?
A driver is required to take a written test at least once every eight years if traffic convictions have occurred. Everyone must have his or her vision screened when applying for a renewal, with the exception of Safe Driver Renewals. All persons age 75 or older must take a driving test at each renewal. Drivers age 81-86 must have their licenses renewed every two years, while persons age 87 and older must renew annually.

Can I renew my license before my renewal letter arrives in the mail?

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.

How can I renew my Illinois driver's license while I am temporarily out-of-state?

You can request renewal forms by writing the Secretary of State, Attn: Special License and Re-Examination Unit, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62723 or by telephoning 217-782-6901. You may be eligible to renew your driver's license through the Safe Driver Renewal Program. You may inquire about Safe Driver Renewal by writing Secretary of State, Attn: Safe Driver Renewal, Central Services Section, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62723 or by calling 217-785-1424.

I am temporarily out-of-state and have lost my Illinois driver's license. What are my options?

Please telephone the Special License and Re-Examination Unit of the Secretary of State's office at 217-782-6901. If you plan to return to Illinois within 90 days and your license is still valid, you may request that a 90-day temporary driver's license be mailed to you at your out-of-state address. If you plan to be out-of-state for more than 90 days, you may request that forms to apply for a non-photo duplicate driver's license be sent to you.

I am in the military, stationed outside the state of Illinois, and my license is expiring. How can I renew without coming back to Illinois?

As a member of the military stationed outside the state of Illinois, you, your spouse and children living with you may all have the expiration of your driver’s licenses deferred for up to 90 days after your discharge or reassignment to a military base in Illinois. Military Deferral Certificate(s) to be carried with your expired Illinois driver’s license can be issued at no charge and mailed to your out-of-state address.

In order to obtain a Military Deferral Certificate, mail a copy of your current Illinois driver’s license, a copy of the front and back of your Military Identification Card and your out-of-state address to the Secretary of State, License and Medical Review Unit, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723.

If you have questions regarding a Military Deferral Certificate, you may contact the License and Medical Review Unit at (217) 782-2720.

You also may be eligible to renew your driver's license through the Safe Driver Renewal Program.

It may be helpful to know that Illinois drivers can renew their licenses up to one year before a four-year or two-year license expires, or six months before a one-year license expires.