Where to get your driver license in Lombard

Lombard does not have its own driver license facility. You will need to visit a Secretary of State office in a nearby area to get or renew your Illinois driver license. The closest options are in Downers Grove, Wheaton, or Hines, depending on which direction is most convenient for you.

The Secretary of State runs all driver license services in Illinois. You cannot get a license through Lombard's village offices, the police department, or any local agency — only through a Secretary of State facility. You can find the full list of offices and their hours on the Secretary of State website, or call 217-782-6900 to confirm hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Lombard residents must visit a Secretary of State office in a nearby town; the closest are in Downers Grove, Wheaton, or Hines.
  • You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to get a new license.
  • Renewing an existing license by mail is often faster than going in person, and Illinois allows mail renewal for most drivers.
  • The Secretary of State office can be busy during midday and on Fridays, so arriving early or on a weekday morning usually means shorter waits.
  • If you are getting your first license or have a suspended license, you cannot renew by mail and must visit in person.

What documents you need to bring

For a new driver license, bring a birth certificate or U.S. passport as proof of identity, a document showing your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can provide a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form instead.

For a renewal, you need less. If you are renewing by mail, you only need your current license and the renewal form. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

Bring the originals, not copies. The Secretary of State office will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or passport. If your documents are from another country, bring the original and an official English translation.

Renewing by mail versus in person

Illinois allows most drivers to renew their license by mail without visiting an office. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations recently, and your license is not expiring within the next 30 days. The process takes about two weeks once the Secretary of State receives your form.

To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid — typically $5 to $10 for a one-year renewal or $30 to $50 for a longer term. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form.

Renewing in person takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will get your license the same day if you pass the vision and written tests (if required). In-person renewal costs the same as mail renewal.

Getting your first driver license

If you have never had an Illinois driver license, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person. You cannot get your first license by mail. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of it.

You will take a written test on Illinois traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State website.

For the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered and insured. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail any part, you can retake the test on a later visit. There is no waiting period between attempts.

Fees and how long it takes

A new driver license costs between $30 and $50 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A renewal costs $5 to $10 for a one-year renewal or $30 to $50 for a longer term. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by location.

If you renew by mail, expect two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form. If you renew in person, you will have your license the same day. If you are getting your first license, you will have it the same day if you pass all tests on your first try.

If you need your license faster, you cannot pay extra for expedited service. The only way to speed up the process is to renew in person instead of by mail.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail and you cannot drive legally. You must contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services department to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Suspensions usually happen because of unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or repeated traffic violations. The steps to restore your license depend on the reason for the suspension or revocation.

Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 and ask to speak with someone in Driver Services. They can tell you the reason your license was suspended, what you need to do to fix it, and whether you need to visit an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Illinois does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Secretary of State office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you fill out a form, mail it in, and wait for your new license to arrive.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A replacement costs the same as a renewal. You will get your new license the same day if you visit in person.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Secretary of State office?

Most offices do not require appointments, but some locations have started using appointment systems. Check the Secretary of State website for your nearest office to see if appointments are available or required. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

What if I moved to Lombard from another state?

You will need to get an Illinois license. Bring your out-of-state license, birth certificate or passport, proof of your Lombard address, and your Social Security number. You will take a written test and vision test, but you may not need to take a driving test depending on your age and how long you held your previous license.

How long is an Illinois driver license valid?

Illinois driver licenses are valid for one to eight years depending on your age and what type of license you choose. Most adult licenses are valid for four or eight years. You can choose the length when you renew, and longer licenses cost more but require fewer renewals over time.