What the Chicago Elston facility does

The Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services facility at 701 South Elston Avenue in Chicago issues and renews driver's licenses and ID cards. This location handles the full range of driver's license transactions — new licenses, renewals, duplicates, and corrections — and is one of several facilities in the Chicago area. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The Elston location is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to check current hours or confirm they have not changed, call 217-782-6900 (the main Secretary of State number) or visit the Illinois Secretary of State website directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elston facility is located at 701 South Elston Avenue and handles new licenses, renewals, and ID cards without requiring an appointment.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to support it.
  • The facility is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week.
  • You will pay a fee at the time of your transaction; the amount depends on the type of license and how long you want it valid.
  • If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to visit Elston, but not all renewal types are available through those methods.

Documents you need to bring

Illinois requires specific documents before the Elston facility can issue or renew your license. You must bring one form of government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof that you live in Illinois, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are explore for your first Illinois license, bring your out-of-state license or passport plus the residency and Social Security documents listed above.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at Elston, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave them in your car. The agent will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take your photograph and signature for the license.

You will also take a vision test at the facility. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You may be asked to read a chart or identify colors. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription, and return.

After the agent processes your information, you will pay the fee. Illinois charges different amounts depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a Real ID-compliant license, or an ID card, and how many years you want it valid for. Ask the agent for the exact fee before you pay, or check the Secretary of State website in advance.

When you will receive your license

Illinois mails licenses to your address after you complete your transaction at Elston. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.

If you need your license faster, ask the agent whether expedited processing is available and what it costs. Some transactions can be expedited for an additional fee, though not all can. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.

Renewal by mail or online instead of visiting Elston

If your current Illinois license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your name or address, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the Elston facility. Online renewal is available through the Secretary of State website and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal requires you to fill out a form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address or name, if you are over 75 years old, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, you must visit Elston or another facility in person.

Parking and getting to Elston

The Elston facility is located at 701 South Elston Avenue, near the intersection of Elston and Fullerton in Chicago. Street parking is available in the area, though it can be tight during business hours. There is no dedicated parking lot at the facility. Public transit options include CTA bus routes that serve the area; check the CTA website for the closest stop to Elston.

If you are driving, allow extra time to find parking before your visit. Arriving early also helps you avoid the longest wait times, which typically occur mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you cannot travel to the Elston location, other Secretary of State driver services facilities operate throughout the Chicago area and Illinois. You can visit any of them — they all handle the same transactions and require the same documents. Check the Secretary of State website for locations and hours near you.

If you are unable to visit any facility due to disability or medical hardship, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask about accommodations or alternative options. Some requests can be handled by phone or mail, though most driver's license transactions require an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at the Elston location?

No. The Elston facility operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Appointments are not available at this location, though you can check the Secretary of State website to see current wait times before you go.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Elston?

You can renew online if your current license is not expired, your name and address have not changed, and you do not have a suspension or revocation. If any of those do not explore, you must visit Elston or another facility in person to renew.

What if I fail the vision test at Elston?

You will not receive a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to Elston with proof of the eye exam. Bring your prescription or a letter from your eye doctor stating you can drive safely.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore at Elston?

Illinois mails licenses 7 to 10 business days after you explore. You receive a temporary paper license at the facility that you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing when you visit.

What if I move after I get my license at Elston?

You must update your address with the Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at Elston or another facility. If you update online or by mail, you will receive a new license in the mail. If you update in person, you can get a temporary license the same day.