Illinois Driving License Renewal
The state of Illinois sends a renewal notice between six to nine months before a license is to expire. This contains the renewal authorization code, the status of your license, information on the fees you will need to pay and mailing and other instructions.
Different licenses have different expiration dates. For instance, if you are below 21 years of age, your license will expire three months from your 21st birthday. People between 21 and 80 years of age have to get their licenses renewed every four years; people 81-86 years old and those 87 and above need to have it renewed every two years and every year respectively. Although driving around with an expired license is bound to get you a ticket, you have the option of renewing it up to a year after it expires without any extra cost. However, if you wait for more than one year, you will have to apply for a license from scratch and take all the tests again. Only military personnel on active duty or their families are allowed to drive with an expired license and that too only for 90 days after it expires.
Many people between the ages of 21 and 80 may be able to renew their licenses online using the Safe Driver Sticker Renewal system. However, you can only use this facility for alternative renewals. For example, if you renew a license online in 2012, you will only need to renew your license online again in 2020 and will have to renew in person for 2016. To apply online, you will need the renewal authorization number from the letter sent to you by the state and pay $30 by an electronic check or credit card. If you are paying by credit card, you may be charged a little extra. You should also print the confirmation page and save it for your records. A renewal sticker is sent to you within two weeks of completing the online process. This should be stuck on the back of your license.
Not everybody may be eligible for online renewal. This includes people who have cancelled or suspended licenses, have had an accident since the last renewal, have changed their name or gender, or who have medical or vision problems that may affect driving.
What is the process for expired Illinois drivers license renewal online?
It is always advised that you get your drivers license renewed before the expiry date. The DMV office will send you a renewal notice as a reminder. If you want to renew your license online, you need to first make sure you are eligible for online renewal services. In most cases, you will be requested to visit the DMV office to get your picture taken for a new license.