How to Get or Renew a Driver's License in Chicago

Where to get a driver's license in Chicago

In Chicago, you get a driver's license through the Illinois Secretary of State's office, not through the city itself. The Secretary of State runs all driver's license facilities in Illinois, including the ones in Chicago. You cannot get a license at City Hall or any Chicago municipal office — you have to go to a Secretary of State facility.

Chicago has multiple Secretary of State driver's license facilities. The main downtown location is at 69 West Washington Street. There are also facilities on the North Side, South Side, and West Side. Each one handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements. You can find the full list of Chicago locations and their hours on the Secretary of State website.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than a year, you must be renewing (not getting your first license), and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. Not everyone is may be able to access for mail or online renewal, so check the Secretary of State's renewal page first to see if you may have access to.

Key Takeaways

The Illinois Secretary of State, not Chicago, issues driver's licenses, and you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person for a new license.
Chicago has multiple Secretary of State locations across the city; you can find hours and addresses on the Secretary of State website.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to get a new license.
Renewals by mail or online are possible only if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no medical or legal restrictions.
Bring your current license or ID, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process and reduces paperwork.

What documents you need to bring

For a new driver's license in Illinois, you need three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have a Social Security number).

Proof of identity can be a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, you also need a second form of ID — a school ID, work ID, or credit card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and current Chicago address, and it cannot be more than 30 days old.

If you already have an Illinois driver's license and are renewing it, bring that license with you. Even if it is expired, it cuts down the paperwork and speeds up the process. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the old one, but you should report it lost or stolen to the Secretary of State before you explore for the replacement.

The cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $30 in Illinois. A renewal costs $30. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $30. These fees are set by the state and do not change by location. You pay at the facility when you explore — they do not take payment online or by mail before your appointment.

Processing time at the facility is usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail. The plastic card typically arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy seasons.

If you renew by mail, the process takes longer — usually four to six weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. Online renewal is faster; you get your temporary license when ready and the plastic card arrives in the same timeframe as in-person renewal.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license

Illinois driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. This means your license meets federal standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not have to request Real ID or pay extra for it — every new license issued in Illinois since 2018 has been Real ID-compliant.

If you have an older Illinois license issued before 2018, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still use it for driving, but you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You would need to bring a passport or another federal ID instead. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you can renew your current license early, and the new one will be compliant.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you are getting your first license and fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most Chicago facilities. You pay the $30 fee again for the retest. You get three attempts per visit, so if you fail once, you can try again when ready without leaving.

If you fail all three attempts on the same day, you have to come back another day to try again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day, but you do have to pay the fee each time. Many people study the Illinois Driver's Manual before they go, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website.

Renewing online or by mail

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Secretary of State website, log in or create an account, and complete the renewal form. You pay the $30 fee with a credit or debit card. You get a temporary paper license to print when ready, and the plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Mail renewal works the same way, except you print the process form, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the address on the form along with a check or money order for $30. Mail renewal takes longer because of postal delays — usually four to six weeks total. You do not get a temporary license with mail renewal, so you cannot drive legally until the plastic card arrives.

You are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if you have a suspended or revoked license, or if you are under 21. If any of these explore to you, you have to renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you can update your license at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The fee is $30, and you get a new license with your updated name.

If you moved within Illinois, you can update your address by renewing your license. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and $30. If you moved out of Illinois and then moved back, you have to get a new license — you cannot just update an old out-of-state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at a Secretary of State facility in Chicago?

Yes. The Secretary of State website has an online appointment system where you can book a time slot at any Chicago location. You can also call the facility directly to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first, so booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.

What if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

You can drive in Illinois on a valid out-of-state license. If you become an Illinois resident, you have 30 days to get an Illinois license. After 30 days, driving on an out-of-state license is not legal. To get an Illinois license, treat it as a new license and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Do I need a vision test to renew my license?

If you renew in person, you will have a vision screening at the facility. If you renew by mail or online, you do not have a vision test. If you know your vision has changed significantly, renewing in person is safer because the facility can catch problems and restrict your license if needed.

What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You have to resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying fines, completing a court order, or finishing a required program. Once it is resolved, you can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Call the facility or check the Secretary of State website to confirm your status before you go.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring the same documents as anyone else — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your ITIN. The process is the same, and the license will be Real ID-compliant.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.