What you need to get a Chicago driver license
Illinois issues driver licenses through the Secretary of State's office, not through Chicago itself. To get a license in Chicago, you will visit a Driver Services facility in the city, but the rules and documents required are set by the state. You need proof of identity, proof of residency in Illinois, a Social Security number or proof you don't have one, and proof of lawful status in the United States.
Proof of identity can be a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Chicago address. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that. Proof of lawful status includes a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws. If you have a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test, but you will still take the vision test. Bring your out-of-state license with you if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois Secretary of State issues all driver licenses; you get yours at a Driver Services facility in Chicago, not at a city office.
- You need four types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Illinois residency, proof of your Social Security number or a letter saying you don't have one, and proof of lawful status in the United States.
- You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you hold a valid license from another state, in which case you skip the written test.
- Chicago has multiple Driver Services locations; the wait time and hours vary by location, so check the Secretary of State website before you go.
Where to go in Chicago and what to bring
The Secretary of State runs five Driver Services facilities in Chicago. The main office is at 500 South Dearborn Street in the Loop. There are also locations in the North, South, and West sides of the city. Hours and wait times change, so visit cyberdriveillinois.com before you go to find the location nearest you and see current hours.
Bring all four types of documents listed above, plus your Social Security card if you have one. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original. You will also need to fill out a Driver License process form (DL 430) before you sit for the tests, though you can often start this online before you arrive.
Bring cash or a debit card for the fee. A first-time driver license costs money, and the amount depends on whether you are getting a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID licenses cost more but are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025. Ask at the facility which type you want before you pay.
The written test and vision test
The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which the Secretary of State publishes free online. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one chance per visit, so if you fail, you will need to come back another day to retake it.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until your vision improves or you get corrective lenses that work.
If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written test. You still take the vision test and still have to show all four types of documents. This rule applies even if your out-of-state license is expired, as long as it was valid when you moved to Illinois.
Renewing your Chicago driver license
Illinois driver licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on your age and the type of license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Renewing online is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have not had any major traffic violations.
To renew online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com and use the online renewal system. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in about one to two weeks.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the address on the form. This takes longer — usually three to four weeks. If you need your license quickly or your license is expired by more than one year, go in person to a Driver Services facility. In-person renewal takes about an hour from arrival to completion, though wait times vary.
Real ID and what it means for you
A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID to enter federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants, and to board domestic flights. If you do not have a Real ID, you can still drive in Illinois and use your license for other purposes, but you will not be allowed through airport security.
Getting a Real ID requires one extra document: proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number. You bring this along with your other four documents. The fee for a Real ID license is higher than for a standard license.
If you already have a standard Illinois driver license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you do not have to wait for your license to expire. You can go to a Driver Services facility and renew early. You will pay the renewal fee plus the difference in cost between a standard license and a Real ID license.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services facility. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license. You can also order a replacement online through cyberdriveillinois.com if your license was lost or stolen, though you will still need to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can often renew it early without paying an extra fee. Ask at the facility whether your damage qualifies. If it does not, you will pay the replacement fee.
Changing your name, address, or other information
If you move within Illinois, you must update your address with the Secretary of State within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license. You can update your name online or in person, but not by mail.
Updating your address online is free and takes a few minutes. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your updated license will arrive by mail. If you go in person, you can get your updated license the same day, but you will pay a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Chicago driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. You must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a Social Security number. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration. The letter usually arrives within two weeks. Without this letter or a Social Security number, you cannot get a license.
How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the tests?
If you go in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass the tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in about one to two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay a fee each time. Study the Illinois Driver's Manual before you retake it. Many Driver Services facilities have study materials available.
Do I need a Real ID if I don't fly or go to federal buildings?
No. A standard Illinois driver license is still valid for driving and for most other purposes. You only need Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after 2025. You can keep a standard license if you prefer.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal is useful if you are about to move, change your name, or want to upgrade to a Real ID. You will pay the full renewal fee, not a reduced fee.