Where to Get Your Driver License in Des Plaines, Illinois

The Des Plaines Secretary of State facility location and hours

Des Plaines has one Secretary of State driver services facility located at 1500 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018. This is the office where you can renew your license, get a duplicate, change your address, or take a written test if you need one. The facility is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Arrive early if you can. The office does not take reservations, and wait times often run 30 to 60 minutes during mid-morning and early afternoon. Mornings before 10:00 a.m. and late afternoons after 3:30 p.m. tend to be less crowded. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., so plan around that if you are nearby.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. There is no fee to park, and the lot usually has space even during busy hours. The building is accessible for people with mobility limitations, with accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Key Takeaways

The Des Plaines Secretary of State office is at 1500 East Touhy Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to name changes or address changes before you go.
Wait times are typically 30 to 60 minutes, and the office does not take reservations or appointments.
If you need a road test for a new license, you must schedule that separately through the Illinois Secretary of State website or by calling the facility directly.

What documents to bring to the Des Plaines office

The documents you need depend on what you are doing, but a few items are required for almost every transaction. Bring your current driver license or state ID, even if it is expired. You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address, dated within the last 60 days. The name on the residency document must match the name on your ID or you will need to bring additional documents showing the name change.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are changing your address, bring the same documents plus any paperwork related to your move. If you are getting a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, bring your current ID and proof of residency. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement works. The office will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card, so bring the original if you have it.

Renewing your license at the Des Plaines facility

Illinois driver licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and when you last renewed. You can renew in person at the Des Plaines office, or you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Check the Illinois Secretary of State website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you make the trip.

If you renew in person, the process takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter is usually longer. You will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Illinois charges different amounts depending on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Bring a payment method — the office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, ask the office for a temporary paper license — they issue these on the spot at no extra charge.

Getting a road test at the Des Plaines location

The Des Plaines Secretary of State office does not conduct road tests on-site. If you need a road test for a new driver license or to reinstate a suspended license, you must schedule one through a separate testing facility. The Illinois Secretary of State maintains a list of approved road test locations on its website, and several facilities operate in the Des Plaines and surrounding Cook County area.

Road tests must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in and take one the same day. You typically need to schedule at least one week ahead, though availability varies by location and season. When you call to schedule, have your learner's permit or current ID ready, and ask what documents you need to bring on test day. Most facilities require you to bring your own vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid learner's permit or ID.

After you pass your road test, the testing facility will give you paperwork to take to the Secretary of State office. Bring that paperwork to the Des Plaines location to have your new license issued. You do not need to wait for mail in this case — the office will give you a temporary license to use when ready.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, go to the Des Plaines office with your current ID and proof of residency. The staff will issue a duplicate license on the spot. There is a fee for a duplicate, which is lower than a renewal fee. You will have your photo taken again, and the new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police as well, though this is not required to get a duplicate from the Secretary of State. A police report can be useful if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. The Des Plaines Police Department can file a report by phone or in person if you prefer.

Changing your address on your license

You can change your address at the Des Plaines office by bringing your current license and proof of residency showing your new address. The process is quick — usually 10 to 15 minutes at the counter. You will fill out a short form, and your new license with the updated address will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee to change your address.

Illinois law does not require you to update your driver license address within a specific timeframe, but it is a good idea to do it soon after you move. An outdated address can cause problems if you are pulled over, and it may delay mail from the Secretary of State office. If you move and do not update your address, your renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss the important date to renew.

Contact information and getting help

If you have questions before you go, you can call the Des Plaines office at (847) 294-4444. The phone line is usually busy during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may get you through faster. You can also visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to find answers to common questions about licenses, renewals, and address changes.

If you need help with a more complex issue — such as a suspended license, a name change, or a medical condition that affects your driving — ask to speak with a supervisor when you arrive at the office. They can explain your options and direct you to the right forms or procedures. Some issues may require you to visit the office more than once or to submit documents by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Des Plaines?

You may be able to renew online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Not all drivers are may be able to access. Check the website first to see if online renewal is an option for you. If it is not, you will need to go to the Des Plaines office or another Secretary of State facility.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask the office staff what other documents they accept — some facilities will take a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. Bring whatever documents you have that show your address.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you renew or replace yours at the office. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the Des Plaines office to check the status. You can continue to drive on your old license or the temporary paper license they give you until the new one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to go to the Des Plaines office?

No, the office does not take reservations or appointments. You walk in and take a number. Expect to wait 30 to 60 minutes during busy times. Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Can I get a road test at the Des Plaines office?

No, road tests are not given at the Secretary of State office. You must schedule a road test at a separate approved testing facility in the Cook County area. Call ahead to schedule — you cannot take a test the same day you call.

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.