Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a driver's license in Illinois

Illinois allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through the Secretary of State's office. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. The state introduced this option in 2013, and it remains available today in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

The process is the same as for any other driver's license applicant: you take a written test, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test. The main difference is the documents you use to prove your identity and residency, since you will not have a Social Security number or a passport from the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois issues standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring a Social Security number or proof of legal status.
  • You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document showing you filed taxes, plus two forms of proof of Illinois residency.
  • The Secretary of State's office in Chicago processes applications at their downtown location and several satellite offices throughout the city.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and road test, just as any other applicant would.
  • The license is valid for four years and can be renewed by mail or in person.

Documents you will need to bring

The Secretary of State requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you have filed taxes in Illinois. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For identity, you can use a passport from your country of origin, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate with a photo ID. The consular ID card is the most common choice for undocumented immigrants in Illinois.

For proof of residency, bring two documents that show your name and a Chicago or Illinois address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or mail from a government agency all count. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have utilities in your name, a lease or a letter from your landlord stating you live there will work.

For tax filing proof, bring your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) or a letter from the Illinois Department of Revenue showing you filed state taxes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will have filed using an ITIN. If you have not filed taxes, you can bring a letter from an accountant or tax preparer confirming you have filed, or documentation showing you applied for an ITIN.

Where to explore in Chicago

The Secretary of State's main driver services facility in Chicago is located at 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 200, in the Loop. This office handles all driver's license services, including first-time applications. You can also visit satellite offices in other Chicago neighborhoods — the Secretary of State website lists current locations and hours.

You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times can be long, especially during midday hours and on Fridays. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits. Bring all your documents in a folder so you can move through the line efficiently.

The office staff can answer questions about your documents before you reach the counter. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, ask when you arrive — staff can tell you on the spot whether you need to go home and get something else.

The written test and vision screening

Once you submit your documents, you will take a written knowledge test covering Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish. You can request the test in your language when you check in.

The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Secretary of State office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

After the written test, you will have your vision screened. This is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The road test and what to expect

If you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a road test. The Secretary of State's office will give you a date and time, usually within two to four weeks. You must bring your own vehicle for the test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

The road test lasts about 15 minutes. An examiner will sit in the passenger seat and ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect technique. Common reasons people fail include not using turn signals, rolling through stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking.

You can take the road test in English or Spanish. If you need an interpreter for the written or road test, contact the Secretary of State's office ahead of time to arrange one.

Timeline and costs

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from your first visit to the Secretary of State's office to receiving your license in the mail. The written and vision tests happen on the same day. The road test is scheduled for a later date. Once you pass all three, your license is printed and mailed to the address you provided.

A standard driver's license costs $30. You pay this fee when you submit your process. The fee does not change based on immigration status. If you need to retake the written test, there is no additional fee. If you need to retake the road test, you pay $10 per attempt.

Renewing your license

Your Illinois driver's license is valid for four years. When it is time to renew, you can do so by mail or in person. Renewal by mail is simpler — the Secretary of State will send you a renewal notice about two months before your license expires, and you can mail it back with the renewal fee ($30) without visiting an office.

If you renew in person, you will need to bring the same residency documents you brought for your original process, plus your current license. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless the Secretary of State asks you to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration status?

No. A driver's license is a state document issued for driving purposes only. It does not change your immigration status or create a record that affects immigration proceedings. The Secretary of State does not share driver's license information with federal immigration authorities.

What if I do not have a consular ID card?

You can use a passport from your country, a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another photo ID. A consular ID card is convenient because it is issued by your country's consulate in Chicago, but it is not required. Any government-issued ID from your country of origin will work.

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish and several other languages. When you arrive at the Secretary of State office, tell the staff member which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. You pay $10 each time you retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a license?

No. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you have filed taxes using an ITIN, bring that tax return. If you have not filed taxes, you can bring documentation showing you applied for an ITIN, or a letter from a tax preparer confirming you have filed.