Illinois drivers can ‘Ditch the DMV’

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias told Illinois motorists to stay away from the DMV. That’s because Illinoisans can now obtain more DMV services and complete more transactions online.
“Don’t come to the DMV, skip the trip!” Giannoulias said. “The truth is that most people no longer need to even come to a DMV because the services they need are available with just a few clicks.”
Giannoulias noted that 2.25 million Illinoisans will need their driver’s license or state ID renewed in 2024. Of those, more than 1 million, or nearly half, have the ability to renew online.
In 2023, there were just over 1 million Illinois drivers who were part of the state’s safe driver program (those with clean driving records without a moving violation) that had the option of renewing without having to visit a DMV. Of those safe drivers, approximately 400,000 renewed online, 60,000 renewed by mail and 30,000 renewed over the phone, but nearly 560,000, more than 50%, visited a DMV unnecessarily.
The Skip-the-Line program has accommodated more than 800,000 Illinoisans by appointment, resulting in little to no wait times upon arrival at DMVs.
To determine if you qualify to renew online, www.ilsos.gov has a new feature that determines a driver or resident’s eligibility for online renewal in real-time after entering their driver’s license or state ID number, Social Security number and date of birth.
If a visit is required, the system will automatically direct customers to the appropriate appointment type. In addition, eligibility for online renewals has been expanded to include customers who are ages 75 to 78.
After booking an appointment online, customers will now receive text notifications to remind them of their upcoming appointment, plus confirm or cancel by text.
The state has established a dedicated phone help line at 800-252-8980, and staff will provide them with assistance making appointments and answer any questions about requirements or eligibility