Documents required for an Illinois driver's license

To get an Illinois driver's license, you need to bring four categories of documents to a Secretary of State facility: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The specific documents that satisfy each category vary — you do not need the same thing everyone else brings, but you do need at least one document from each of the four groups. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

The Secretary of State publishes the full list of acceptable documents on its website under "REAL ID Compliant Documents" and "Non-REAL ID Documents," depending on whether you want a license that works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. Most people explore for a standard license can use simpler documents than those required for REAL ID compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, one proving you live in Illinois, and one proving you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful status.
  • A birth certificate counts as identity proof; a Social Security card counts as Social Security proof; a utility bill or lease counts as residency proof; and a U.S. passport counts as lawful status proof.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted.
  • If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents for each category, and you can call your local facility to confirm what you have will work before you visit.

Proof of identity documents

Proof of identity must be an official document with your photograph, signature, or both. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born satisfies the identity requirement — it does not need a photo.

Other documents that work include a state ID from another state, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a foreign national ID card. School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count, even if they have your photo. If you have a document from outside the United States, it must be an official government document.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you do not have it, an official letter from the Social Security Administration works. You can request this letter online through your Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a "Social Security number verification letter."

A W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document showing your Social Security number also counts. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license, the document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy of a tax form will not work for REAL ID, though it may work for a standard license. Call ahead to confirm what your local facility accepts.

Proof of Illinois residency

You need a document showing your current name and current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work if they are dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your full name and street address — a PO box does not count as proof of residency.

Other acceptable documents include a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a government check or benefit statement, or a letter from a government agency. If you recently moved to Illinois and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease with your landlord's signature and the move-in date can work. Some facilities also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member confirming you live there, though this varies by location — call ahead if you are in this situation.

Proof of lawful status

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof. A certified birth certificate issued in the United States also proves citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services works.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful status, you can use a valid visa, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a Notice of Action (I-797) from USCIS showing you have a pending process. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders can use their EAD or a letter from USCIS. Bring the original document — photocopies are not accepted for lawful status proof.

What to do if your name has changed

If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be certified by the issuing office — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If you changed your name through marriage and your marriage certificate is from outside Illinois, bring a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were married. The Secretary of State facility will not accept an uncertified copy or a photo of the document.

What happens at the Secretary of State facility

Bring all four categories of documents to your appointment or walk-in visit. A staff member will review each document, verify it is acceptable, and make copies for your file. You will then take a vision test, answer questions about your medical history, and have your photograph taken. You will also take a written test on Illinois traffic laws unless you are renewing a license you already hold.

Processing times vary by facility and how busy they are. Some facilities issue your license the same day; others mail it to you within one to two weeks. Ask the staff member when you can expect to receive it. If you need your license for a specific date — such as for a job that starts in a week — mention this when you arrive, as some facilities can prioritize your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The Secretary of State requires original documents or certified copies. Photos of documents, screenshots, and photocopies are not accepted. If you cannot locate an original, contact the issuing office to request a certified copy — for example, contact your state's vital records office for a certified birth certificate.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get an Illinois driver's license without a Social Security number. If you are a non-citizen with lawful status who does not have a Social Security number, contact your local Secretary of State facility to ask about alternatives, as some facilities may have different procedures. Have your immigration documents ready when you call.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license, or is a standard license enough?

A standard Illinois driver's license works for driving and most everyday purposes. You need a REAL ID-compliant license only if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain military bases. REAL ID requires additional documents and costs more. If you are unsure whether you need it, a standard license is the simpler choice.

What if my lease does not have my name on it?

A lease with only your landlord's name does not count as proof of residency. You need a document with your name and address. If you cannot get your name added to the lease, bring a utility bill, bank statement, or insurance policy in your name instead. If none of those are available, some facilities accept a notarized letter from your landlord — call your local facility first to confirm.

Can I bring documents from another country?

Yes, if they are official government documents. A birth certificate from another country must be certified by the vital records office there. A foreign national ID card works for identity proof. All foreign documents must be originals or certified copies. If your document is in another language, bring the original and ask the facility whether they need an official translation.