The Illinois Secretary of State handles all driver's licenses in Chicago, and you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to get yours
Chicago does not have its own licensing authority. The Illinois Secretary of State issues all driver's licenses statewide, including in Chicago. You cannot get a license by mail, online, or through a third party — you must appear in person at one of the Secretary of State's Driver Services facilities located in the city.
The process involves submitting documents, passing a written test (unless you are renewing), taking a vision test, and having your photo taken. The whole visit typically takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the facility is and whether you need to take the written exam.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago has four Secretary of State Driver Services facilities where you can get a license: the Loop location at 69 W. Washington, the North location at 9154 S. Commercial, the Northwest location at 5701 N. Elston, and the South location at 9154 S. Commercial.
- You must bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN to complete the transaction.
- The written test is required for first-time drivers and those whose licenses have been expired for more than a year, but you can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual available on the Secretary of State website.
- Wait times vary by location and time of day, but visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.
Chicago Driver Services Facility Locations and Hours
The Secretary of State operates four Driver Services facilities within Chicago city limits. Each location handles the same services — written tests, vision tests, photo capture, and license issuance — so you can choose the one most convenient to you.
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Loop | 69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon |
| North | 9154 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon |
| Northwest | 5701 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon |
| South | 9154 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon |
All four facilities close on Sundays and state holidays. The Loop location tends to be the busiest, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you have flexibility, the Northwest and South locations often have shorter wait times on weekday mornings.
Documents You Need to Bring
The Secretary of State requires specific documents to issue a driver's license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need to show your documents in person at the facility.
Proof of identity: A valid government-issued ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID.
Proof of residency: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Chicago address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Illinois.
Social Security number or ITIN: You must provide your nine-digit Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays it, such as a tax return or W-2 form.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and bring their own ID and proof of residency. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself if you still have it.
The Written Test and What to Study
You must pass a written test to get a driver's license in Illinois unless you are renewing a license that has not been expired for more than a year. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You have three chances to pass; if you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost.
The Illinois Driver's Manual is the official study guide and is free to read from the Secretary of State website (cyberdriveillinois.com). The manual covers every topic on the test. Most people spend two to four hours studying before taking the test. You can also request a printed copy at any Driver Services facility.
The test is administered on a computer at the facility. You answer 35 questions, and you must get at least 28 correct to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, call the facility ahead of time to confirm it is available.
Vision Test and Photo Requirements
Every applicant must pass a vision screening at the facility. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested while wearing them if you normally use them to drive.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed by the doctor, and return to the facility with that form. The form is called an Eye Care Professional Report and is available from any optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Your photo will be taken at the facility on the day you explore. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo appears on your license for the next four to eight years depending on your age, so many people dress neatly for it, though there are no formal dress codes.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of a driver's license in Illinois varies by age and license type. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $30 and is valid for four years. A license for someone under 21 costs $20 and is valid for four years. A Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights) costs $2 more.
The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all Chicago facilities. No personal checks are accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online.
If you fail the written test and need to retake it, there is no additional fee for the retest on the same day. If you return on a different day to retake the test, you pay the full license fee again.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the vision test and written test (if required), you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent plastic license is being printed and mailed.
Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The Secretary of State mails it to the address you provided at the facility. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the Secretary of State website or at any Driver Services facility.
If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-2720 to report it. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at a Chicago Driver Services facility?
The Secretary of State does not offer appointment scheduling for driver's licenses. You must arrive during regular hours and wait your turn. However, you can check current wait times online at cyberdriveillinois.com before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.
What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?
If a utility bill or lease is in someone else's name, you can bring a notarized letter from that person stating you live at that address, along with the utility bill or lease. Some facilities also accept a combination of documents such as a bank statement plus a school enrollment letter. Call the facility ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.
Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from getting a license. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid tickets, you must resolve the suspension before you can get a new license. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State to check your driving record status before you visit.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot get a license the same day if you fail the vision test. You must see an eye doctor, get the Eye Care Professional Report form signed, and return to the facility with that form. There is no additional fee for the second visit if you bring the completed form.
How long is a Chicago driver's license valid?
A standard Illinois driver's license is valid for four years if you are 21 or older, and four years if you are under 21. After four years, you must renew it at a Driver Services facility or online if you are renewing a license that has not been expired for more than a year.