Chicago's driver license offices and what to bring
Illinois Secretary of State offices in Chicago issue driver's licenses and handle renewals, replacements, and address changes. The main office is located at 69 West Washington Street in the Loop, open Monday through Friday. A second location at 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue on the Northwest Side serves the city as well. Both offices handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is closer to you.
Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing an expiring license, bring the license itself. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original. Bring payment in cash or card — the fee for a standard driver's license is set by the state and varies depending on whether you are getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- The main Chicago Secretary of State office is at 69 West Washington Street in the Loop, with a second location at 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a driver's license.
- Both Chicago offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
- You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Illinois Secretary of State website before you visit.
How to prepare your documents before you visit
Proof of identity must be an official document with your photo or signature. A U.S. passport, state ID, or birth certificate all work. If you do not have a passport and your birth certificate is from outside Illinois, bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. Your Social Security number is required even if you already have a number on file.
Proof of residency shows your current Chicago address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your move-in date. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents, so check there if you are unsure whether what you have will work.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day — the Secretary of State website shows current wait times for both Chicago offices, updated throughout the day. You can also book an appointment online, which typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.
At your turn, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo, and collect payment. You will answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. The clerk will also ask about organ donation. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office. The Secretary of State website has a tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but online renewal is faster and you can do it from home.
To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not may have access to for online renewal, the website will tell you why and direct you to the next step.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit an office in person. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency as you would for a new license. You do not need to bring the damaged license, and you do not need a police report for a lost or stolen license — the Secretary of State does not require one. Tell the clerk at check-in that you are replacing a lost or stolen license so they can flag your file.
The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new card license within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus at the same time — this is a separate step from replacing your license, but doing both at once protects you more completely.
Changing your address on your license
If you moved within Illinois but your license still shows your old address, you can update it by mail, online, or in person. The online address change tool on the Secretary of State website is the fastest option — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address. Your updated license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to update in person, visit either Chicago office with proof of your new residency. Bring your current license and a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address. The clerk will update your file and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your new card license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Hours, parking, and getting there
The main office at 69 West Washington Street is in the Loop and is accessible by the CTA Red, Blue, Brown, Orange, Pink, and Green lines. Street parking is available but limited and often paid. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. The Northwest Side location at 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue is accessible by the CTA Blue Line and has a small parking lot.
Both offices close for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., so plan to arrive before noon or after 1 p.m. if you want to avoid the lunch rush. The offices are closed on weekends and state holidays. If you cannot visit during these hours, check the Secretary of State website for any temporary extended hours or special Saturday appointments that may be offered during peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
You can walk in, but booking an appointment online reduces your wait time significantly. The Secretary of State website lets you book same-day or future appointments. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can be 45 minutes to over an hour during busy times.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to provide your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, contact the Secretary of State office before you visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. You must visit an office in person and explore for a new license, not a renewal. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive while you wait. If you need your license faster, ask the clerk about expedited mail options, though these may have an additional fee.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to visit an office in person — you cannot update a name change by mail or online. The clerk will update your file and issue a new license with your current name.