Where to get a Chicago driver's license
You get a driver's license from the Illinois Secretary of State, not from the City of Chicago itself. The Secretary of State runs all driver's license offices in Illinois, including the ones in Chicago. You cannot get a license at City Hall or any Chicago city office — you must go to a Secretary of State facility.
Chicago has multiple Secretary of State driver's license facilities spread across the city. The main downtown office is at 69 West Washington Street. There are also branch offices on the North Side, South Side, and West Side. Each location handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient for you.
You can find the current addresses, hours, and phone numbers for all Chicago-area Secretary of State offices on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Hours vary by location — some are open evenings or Saturdays, while others are weekday-only. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves a trip if an office has reduced hours or is temporarily closed.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois Secretary of State offices issue driver's licenses, not Chicago city government, and you must visit one of their facilities in person.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you go to the office.
- First-time driver's license applicants must pass a written test and a driving test at a Secretary of State facility.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital photos on your phone will not be accepted.
- Processing takes about 10 business days after you pass your tests, and your license will be mailed to your address.
Documents you need to bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have either, you can bring a certified copy of your adoption papers, court order, or other vital record that shows your legal name and date of birth.
You also need proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of residency if it shows your current Illinois address.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the simplest option. If you do not have the card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov. You cannot use a photocopy of your Social Security card — it must be the original.
Bring a valid form of identification with a photo. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school ID and a birth certificate.
The written test and driving test
If you have never held a driver's license in any state, you must pass a written test before you can take the driving test. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State website. The manual is also available in Spanish and several other languages.
The written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the Secretary of State office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. The driving test happens at the same Secretary of State facility. During the test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not take either test. You can exchange it for an Illinois license by bringing your out-of-state license and the same proof of residency and identity documents.
Fees and processing time
The fee for a first-time driver's license is set by the state and does not vary by location. As of now, a standard four-year license costs one amount and an eight-year license costs more. Fees change periodically, so check the Secretary of State website or call your local office for the current price. You pay when you explore, and the fee is non-refundable even if you fail the written or driving test.
After you pass both tests, the Secretary of State mails your license to the address you provided. Mailing usually takes about 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
If you need your license faster, some Secretary of State offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Ask at your local office whether this option is available.
Renewing or replacing a Chicago driver's license
If your Illinois license is expiring soon, you can renew it before it expires. You do not need to retake the written or driving test to renew. You can renew in person at any Secretary of State office, or you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — for example, if your license is not suspended and you have not had any major violations.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same way.
If your name has changed since you got your license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can update your name when you renew or get a replacement.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. You must wait at least one day before you can test again. You pay the test fee each time you take the test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before the Secretary of State will issue your license.
Many people find it helpful to take a few driving lessons with a professional instructor before retaking the test. An instructor can identify which skills need work and give you feedback in real time. Some driving schools in Chicago specialize in test preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Chicago driver's license online?
You cannot get a new driver's license entirely online. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person to take the written and driving tests. However, if you are renewing an existing Illinois license and meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can bring a certified copy of adoption papers, a court order, a passport, or another vital record that shows your legal name and date of birth. Contact the Secretary of State office before you go to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to take the written test if I have a license from another state?
No. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Illinois license without taking any tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to a Secretary of State office.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
The Secretary of State mails your license to you, which usually takes about 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card.
What if I move to a different address in Chicago?
You must update your address with the Secretary of State. You can do this in person at any driver's license office, or you may be able to update it online or by mail depending on your situation. Check the Secretary of State website for the current options.