You can get an Illinois driver's license at a Secretary of State facility, and there are about 130 of them across the state

The Illinois Secretary of State issues all driver's licenses in Illinois. You cannot get one at a DMV — Illinois does not have a DMV. Instead, you go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. These facilities are in most counties, and some larger cities have multiple locations. You can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code.

Most facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. You will need to bring specific documents and be prepared to take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing or transferring a license you already hold).

Key Takeaways

  • Secretary of State Driver Services facilities are the only place to get an Illinois driver's license; there is no online option or mail-in process for a new license.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate, proof of residency like a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number to bring with you.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual available on the Secretary of State website.
  • A road test is required for a new license unless you are transferring one from another state or renewing an expired Illinois license.
  • Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid, ranging from about $20 to $50 for a standard driver's license.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring a primary document that proves your identity and citizenship. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate all work. If you do not have one of those, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a state ID card plus a school transcript or military discharge papers. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable combinations.

You also need proof of residency showing your current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Illinois.

Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test and what it covers

Before you can get a license, you take a written test at the facility. The test has 35 questions and covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you can come back another day and try again.

The free Illinois Driver's Manual is available as a PDF on the Secretary of State website and contains all the information covered on the test. Many people study it for a few days before going in. The manual is also available in Spanish and several other languages.

The road test and driving requirements

If you are getting your first Illinois driver's license or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must pass a road test. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You drive on regular streets, not a closed course.

You need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements.

If you are transferring a valid driver's license from another state or renewing an Illinois license that is not expired, you do not need to take a road test.

How to schedule your visit and what to expect

You can walk into most Secretary of State facilities without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some locations are busy in the morning and slower in the afternoon. A few facilities in larger cities offer online appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website, which can save you time.

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address, driving history, and medical conditions. The staff will take your photo and fingerprints. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass the written test on your first try.

You will pay the fee at the end of your visit. Standard driver's licenses cost around $20 to $50 depending on how long you want the license to be valid — typically four or six years. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card at most locations.

Getting your license if you moved from out of state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to an Illinois license without taking a road test. You still need to pass the written test and bring the same documents as anyone else — your out-of-state license counts as your primary identity document. You also need to surrender your out-of-state license when you get your Illinois one.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you cannot transfer it. Instead, you will need to get a new license, which means taking both the written test and the road test. Bring your expired out-of-state license along with one of the other primary documents listed above.

Renewing or replacing a license you already have

If your Illinois driver's license is still valid and not expired, you can renew it in person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail. Renewal by mail is faster and does not require you to retake any tests. You will receive a form in the mail before your license expires, or you can request one from the Secretary of State website.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your documents and pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license. You do not need to retake any tests for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Illinois?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You get it automatically if you bring a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate when you get your license. There is no extra fee.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you can only take the test once per visit to the facility. Many people study the Illinois Driver's Manual for a few more days and come back the next week.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or just know the number?

You can bring either the card itself or just know your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access. The staff will verify your number in their system.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign your license. You cannot send someone else to get it for you or have it mailed to you after your first visit.

How long does it take to get the physical license after my visit?

You receive a temporary paper license at the facility that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license works for driving during that time.