Illinois drivers will soon have the option to choose between a four-year or eight-year driver’s license, thanks to new legislation recently signed into law.

Senate Bill 275, sponsored by Senator Dan McConchie, requires the Secretary of State to establish rules for this process by January 1, 2027, with the new options available to motorists by July 1 of that year.

This change aims to reduce the frequency of visits to the DMV, offering convenience to drivers and aligning Illinois with other states that already offer longer license validity periods. The cost for an eight-year license will be $60, double the cost of a four-year license.

This new law is expected to ease the challenges motorists face when scheduling appointments at driver services facilities, providing greater flexibility and reducing wait times.