What Illinois offers and what you need to know first
Illinois issues driver licenses to people without proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status through its REAL ID-compliant license program. You can obtain a standard Illinois driver license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, along with other documents that prove your identity and Illinois residency. The license works for driving and everyday identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
The state does not ask about immigration status during the process process. You will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring specific documents, and pay the standard licensing fee. The process takes the same amount of time as any other license process — typically a few weeks for processing after your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois issues driver licenses to people with an ITIN, regardless of immigration status, and does not require proof of citizenship.
- You must bring an ITIN, proof of identity (passport or consular ID), proof of Illinois residency, and proof of your Social Security number attempt or ITIN assignment letter.
- You cannot use an Illinois driver license for federal purposes like domestic air travel, but it works for driving and state identification.
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person; you cannot complete this process by mail or online.
- The fee for a standard driver license is the same whether you use a Social Security number or an ITIN.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring originals or certified copies of every document listed below. The Secretary of State will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone. If a document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original.
Proof of identity: A valid passport from any country, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, a national ID card, or a birth certificate (if you also bring a photo ID like a school ID or work ID). The document must show your full name and date of birth.
Proof of ITIN: Your ITIN assignment letter from the IRS (Form 9, the notice you received when the IRS assigned your number), or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can obtain one by filing a tax return with the IRS using Form 1040 and Form W-7.
Proof of Illinois residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax document or court notice) dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Illinois address. A cell phone bill does not count. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Social Security number documentation: If you have a Social Security number, bring your card or a document showing it. If you do not have one and have applied for one, bring the letter from the Social Security Administration showing your process was denied or that you are not may be able to access. If you have never applied, you can state this at the Secretary of State office.
Step-by-step process at the Secretary of State office
Find the Secretary of State facility nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some offices require appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.
Arrive with all documents listed above in a folder or envelope. At the office, tell the staff member you are explore for a driver license and provide your documents. They will verify each one and may ask questions about your residency or identity. Answer honestly and directly.
You will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also answer questions about traffic laws and road signs — this is the written test. In Illinois, you can request the test in Spanish or several other languages. Ask the staff member which languages are available at your location.
If you pass the vision and written tests, you will have your photo taken for the license. You will pay the fee (currently $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, though fees may change). The staff member will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your license in the mail, usually within two to three weeks.
What happens if you do not have an ITIN yet
You must obtain an ITIN before you can get an Illinois driver license. To get an ITIN, file a federal tax return with the IRS using Form 1040 (the main tax form) and Form W-7 (the ITIN process). You do not need to have earned income to file; you can file even if you had no income that year.
You can file your tax return yourself using free software through the IRS Free File program, or you can pay a tax preparer to file for you. Many community organizations and nonprofits offer free tax preparation for people with low incomes. Search online for "free tax preparation near me" or contact your local library for referrals.
Mail your completed forms to the IRS address shown in the Form W-7 instructions. The IRS will mail you an ITIN assignment letter, usually within four to six weeks. Once you have that letter, you can schedule your Secretary of State appointment and bring it with your other documents.
Differences between a standard license and a REAL ID license
Illinois offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. Both require the same documents and process. The difference is what you can use each one for.
A standard Illinois driver license works for driving in all 50 states and for everyday identification like opening a bank account or buying age-restricted items. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base.
A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and works for all the same purposes as a standard license, plus federal purposes like domestic air travel and federal building access. However, REAL ID requires proof of citizenship or legal immigration status — documents you may not have. Most people without legal status get a standard license instead.
When you explore at the Secretary of State office, staff will ask which type you want. If you do not have citizenship or legal immigration documents, request the standard license.
Using your Illinois license for driving and identification
Once you receive your license in the mail, you can use it to drive anywhere in the United States. Police will accept it as valid identification during a traffic stop. You can also use it for everyday purposes like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or buying age-restricted items.
Your license does not expire for four or eight years, depending on which term you chose. Before it expires, you can renew it by mail or online through the Secretary of State website — you will not need to visit an office again unless your address changes or you need a new photo.
If you are stopped by police while driving, keep your license and vehicle registration in an accessible place. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status. You can say, "I do not wish to answer questions," and ask to speak to a lawyer. Having a valid driver license does not change your legal rights during a police encounter.
What to do if your process is denied
The Secretary of State may deny your process if documents are missing, if your identity cannot be verified, or if there is a problem with your ITIN documentation. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason.
Read the letter carefully and identify which document or information caused the denial. Common reasons include: residency proof that is too old, an identity document that is expired, or an ITIN letter that does not clearly show your number. You can reapply once you have obtained the missing or corrected document.
If you are unsure why your process was denied or how to fix it, contact the Secretary of State office where you applied. You can also reach out to a legal aid organization or immigrant advocacy group in Illinois — many offer free help with driver license applications and can review your documents before you reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Illinois driver license to fly on a domestic airplane?
No, not with a standard license. A standard Illinois driver license is not accepted for domestic air travel. You would need a REAL ID-compliant license (with the gold star), but that requires proof of citizenship or legal immigration status. For air travel, you can use a valid passport from any country instead.
What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?
You can use a birth certificate as proof of identity, but you must also bring a photo ID like a school ID, work ID, or employee badge. The birth certificate and photo ID together count as proof of identity for the driver license process.
Do I have to tell the Secretary of State about my immigration status?
No. The Secretary of State does not ask about immigration status and does not report it to immigration authorities. The process asks only for identity, residency, and ITIN information. You do not volunteer information beyond what is asked.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
After you pass the tests and pay the fee at the office, your license is mailed to you, usually within two to three weeks. You will receive a receipt at the office showing when to expect it. During that time, you can drive using your receipt as temporary proof.
What if my address changes after I get my license?
You can update your address online through the Secretary of State website or by visiting an office in person. You do not need to bring documents again — just your current license and proof of your new address. The fee for an address change is lower than the fee for a new license.