What you need to get an Illinois driver's license
Illinois issues driver's licenses through the Secretary of State's office, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility in person — there is no online option to complete the full process, though you can renew some licenses by mail or online if you meet specific conditions.
For a first-time license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course first.
For renewal, the documents you need depend on whether your license is still valid or expired. A valid license can often be renewed by mail or through the Secretary of State's online portal without visiting a facility. An expired license usually requires an in-person visit and may require the same documents as a first-time applicant if it has been expired for more than a year.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois driver's licenses are issued by the Secretary of State, and you must visit a Driver Services facility in person for your first license or if your license has been expired for more than one year.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person visit.
- First-time drivers must pass both a written test and a driving test, and anyone under 18 must complete a driver education course before testing.
- Valid licenses can often be renewed by mail or online through the Secretary of State's website, which saves a trip to a facility.
- The cost of a driver's license in Illinois varies by type and duration, and you can check current fees on the Secretary of State's website.
Where to find a Driver Services facility near you
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois, and you can find the one nearest you on the official Secretary of State website. Each facility handles license issuance, renewal, and testing, though some locations are busier than others and wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
You can also call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line to ask about wait times at specific locations or to schedule an appointment if your local facility offers them. Not all facilities take appointments, so confirm before you go. Some facilities are open only certain days or have limited hours, so check the hours before you visit.
The written test and driving test requirements
Illinois requires all first-time drivers to pass a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can take the test in English or several other languages if you request it at the facility.
After you pass the written test, you must pass a driving test with an examiner. The test includes basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail either test, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a certain number of days between attempts.
If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle. The permit period and restrictions are set by Illinois law and are explained when you receive your permit.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your Illinois driver's license is still valid and you meet certain conditions, you can renew it without visiting a facility. The Secretary of State allows online renewal for some drivers and mail renewal for others, depending on your age, the type of license you hold, and how long it has been since your last renewal.
To renew online, visit the Secretary of State's website and follow the instructions for your license type. You will need your current license number and other personal information. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within a set timeframe.
Mail renewal works similarly: you complete a form, include your current license, and mail everything to the address provided by the Secretary of State. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you do not meet the conditions for mail or online renewal, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person.
What happens if your license expires
An expired Illinois driver's license cannot be used to drive legally. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can usually renew it by mail or online if you meet the conditions for that method. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person and may need to retake the written and driving tests.
If you are stopped while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation and fines. The penalty depends on how long the license has been expired and whether it is your first offense. Renewing before expiration avoids this risk and is simpler than renewing after expiration.
The Secretary of State sends renewal notices to the address on file before your license expires. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew on your own by checking the expiration date on your license or by contacting the Secretary of State's office.
Transferring a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Illinois, you can transfer it to an Illinois license. You do not have to retake the written and driving tests if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility and bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Illinois, and proof of your Social Security number.
The facility will issue you an Illinois license, and you can usually use your out-of-state license until your Illinois license arrives in the mail. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Illinois that speed up the transfer process, though the basic steps are the same. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Illinois driver's license after I pass the tests?
After you pass the written and driving tests at a Driver Services facility, your license is usually mailed to you within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person, and you may need to retake the written test and driving test depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
What if I lose my driver's license or it gets damaged?
You can get a replacement license by visiting a Driver Services facility or, in some cases, by mail. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay the replacement fee. A replacement license is issued faster than a new license because you do not need to retake the tests.
Do I need a Real ID-compliant license to fly domestically in the United States?
Yes, as of May 2025, a Real ID-compliant license is required for domestic air travel. Illinois offers Real ID licenses at Driver Services facilities. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency to get a Real ID license.
What is the cost of an Illinois driver's license?
The cost varies based on the type of license and how long it is valid. Standard licenses, Real ID licenses, and commercial licenses have different fees. Check the Secretary of State's website for current fees, as they may change.