Chicago has five Secretary of State facilities where you can get an Illinois driver's license
The Illinois Secretary of State operates five driver services facilities within Chicago's city limits. These are the only locations in the city where you can explore for or renew a driver's license in person. Each facility handles the same services — there is no difference in what you can do at one versus another — but they have different hours and locations, so the closest one to you may not be the one with the most convenient schedule.
The five facilities are: the Loop office (69 W. Washington Street), the North Chicago office (9101 S. Commercial Avenue), the Midway office (5300 S. Cicero Avenue), the O'Hare office (10 S. Mannheim Road), and the West Side office (2935 W. Division Street). You do not need an appointment at any of them, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Secretary of State's website shows current wait times at each facility, updated throughout the day.
Key Takeaways
- Five Secretary of State driver services facilities operate in Chicago, and you can walk in without an appointment at any of them.
- Wait times differ by location and hour, and the Secretary of State website displays real-time wait estimates for each facility.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and a completed process form before you arrive.
- The Loop and West Side offices have the longest evening hours; the O'Hare and Midway offices are closest to major transit hubs.
What documents to bring to any Chicago facility
Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), and proof that you live in Illinois. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. A driver's license process form (DL 101) is available at the facility, but you can also print it beforehand from the Secretary of State website and fill it out at home to save time.
If you are renewing a license that is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must go to a facility. Bring your current or expired license if you have it. If you are explore for your first Illinois license, bring the same documents plus proof that you have passed the written test and vision screening — or plan to take them at the facility.
Hours and locations of each Chicago facility
| Facility | Address | Weekday Hours | Saturday Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | 69 W. Washington Street | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | 8 a.m.–noon |
| North Chicago | 9101 S. Commercial Avenue | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Closed |
| Midway | 5300 S. Cicero Avenue | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Closed |
| O'Hare | 10 S. Mannheim Road | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Closed |
| West Side | 2935 W. Division Street | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | 8 a.m.–noon |
Hours are subject to change, and some facilities close on state holidays. The Loop and West Side offices are the only two open on Saturday mornings. The Loop office is accessible by the Red, Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines; the West Side office is near the Blue Line. The O'Hare facility is inside the airport terminal and accessible by the Blue Line; the Midway facility is near the Orange Line. The North Chicago facility requires a car or bus to reach.
How to check wait times before you go
The Secretary of State website displays live wait times for each Chicago facility. You can view them without logging in or providing any information — just visit the Secretary of State's driver services page and select "Chicago" from the location dropdown. Wait times update every 15 to 30 minutes and show the estimated number of minutes from when you arrive until you are called.
Wait times are longest on weekday mornings between 8 and 10 a.m. and on Saturday mornings. Afternoons, especially after 2 p.m. on weekdays, tend to have shorter waits. If a facility shows a wait of more than 90 minutes, consider trying a different location or coming back later. The Loop office typically has the longest waits because it is downtown and accessible by multiple transit lines.
What happens when you arrive at the facility
When you enter, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You will see a digital board showing which number is being served and at which window. Sit and wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. The staff member will review your documents, take your photo, collect your fee, and give you a receipt.
If you are explore for your first license or your license is suspended or revoked, you may be asked to take the written test and vision screening at the facility. The written test is on a computer and takes 15 to 20 minutes. The vision screening takes a few minutes. If you pass both, your license will be processed that day. If you fail either one, you will be told what to study and can return to retake it.
Fees and what you will receive
A new driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $30 and is valid for four years. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or stolen) costs $16. Payment is cash or card — the facilities accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a paper receipt that day; your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
While you wait for your license to arrive, you can use the paper receipt as proof of your license status if you are stopped by police. Keep it in your wallet. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to a facility?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or revocations. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs $30; your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must visit a facility in person.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without an appointment at any of the five Chicago facilities. No facility in Illinois requires an appointment for driver's license services. Arrive early if you want to avoid long waits, or check the live wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
What if I fail the written test or vision screening?
You can retake either test the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test. The staff member will tell you what topics to study before you retake the written test. Vision screening failures are usually due to needing glasses or contacts; bring them when you return.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
You receive a paper receipt the day you explore. Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt is valid proof of your license status until the physical card arrives. If it does not arrive within 10 days, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.
Which facility should I go to if I want the shortest wait?
Check the live wait times on the Secretary of State website — they update every 15 to 30 minutes. Generally, the North Chicago, Midway, and O'Hare facilities have shorter waits than the Loop and West Side offices. Afternoons after 2 p.m. on weekdays are faster than mornings. Avoid Saturday mornings if you want to minimize your wait.