Where to go and what documents you need
In Chicago, you get a driver's license from the Illinois Secretary of State, not from the city itself. The Secretary of State runs all driver's license facilities in Illinois, including the ones in Chicago. You can visit a facility in person to explore, renew, or replace a license. The main Chicago facility is located at 17 North State Street, but the Secretary of State also operates smaller facilities in other Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.
Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID card to prove your identity and date of birth; proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return); and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are explore for the first time, you will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test.
If you are renewing an existing Illinois license, the documents you need depend on whether your license is still valid or expired. A valid license can often be renewed by mail or online, while an expired license may require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois driver's licenses are issued by the Secretary of State, and Chicago residents must visit a Secretary of State facility in person for a first-time license or certain renewals.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before you visit.
- First-time applicants must pass both a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test.
- The main Chicago facility is at 17 North State Street, but smaller facilities operate throughout the city and suburbs.
- Renewal options vary depending on whether your license is still valid or expired; some renewals can be done online or by mail.
First-time applicants: the written and driving tests
If you have never held an Illinois driver's license, you must pass two tests before you receive your license. The first is a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for this test using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which the Secretary of State publishes and makes available online and in print at any facility.
The written test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You take this test at the facility on the day you explore. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return later.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a practical driving test. This test is conducted by an examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits and your ability to control the vehicle. You must bring a valid vehicle with current registration and insurance to the driving test.
Renewing or replacing an existing Illinois license
If your Illinois driver's license is still valid and not expired, you can renew it online through the Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a facility is when ready but requires a visit.
If your license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time process: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, in which case the Secretary of State may require you to pass the written test again.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any facility. A replacement is a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your old license. Bring proof of identity and proof of your address.
Real ID and standard licenses: what's the difference
Illinois offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.
A standard Illinois driver's license works for driving and most everyday identification. However, starting in May 2025, the federal government will no longer accept a standard driver's license as identification for domestic air travel. You will need a Real ID license, a passport, or another federally approved form of identification.
A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. To get one, you must provide the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your address (two documents instead of one). The process is the same, and there is no extra fee. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any facility.
Fees and how long it takes
A first-time driver's license costs $30 for an 8-year license. A renewal costs $30. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $20. These fees are current as of 2024 and may change; check the Secretary of State's website for the most recent amounts.
If you explore in person at a facility, you receive your license on the same day in most cases. If you renew by mail, expect your new license to arrive within two weeks. Online renewal is processed within a few business days, and you can pick up your license at a facility or have it mailed to you.
Wait times at facilities vary by location and time of day. The main Chicago facility at 17 North State Street can have long waits during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you can retake it. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You must schedule another appointment, which may be available within a few days or may take a few weeks depending on how busy the facility is.
Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner noted as weak: smooth braking, proper lane changes, parking, or following traffic laws. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though some people choose to take a professional driving lesson to improve their skills before trying again.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address to any Secretary of State facility. The fee is $20 for a replacement license with your new name.
If you move to a new address within Illinois, you can update your address online, by mail, or in person. Online address changes are free and take a few business days. You do not need a new physical license card unless you want one; the address on file is what matters for official records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Chicago driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Illinois requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Illinois ID card instead, which serves as state identification but does not allow you to drive. Contact the Secretary of State to discuss your situation.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents to prove your identity and date of birth, such as a state ID card, military ID, or a combination of documents like a school record and a medical record. The Secretary of State's website lists all acceptable documents. If you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, call the facility before you visit.
How do I schedule a driving test appointment?
When you pass the written test at a Secretary of State facility, the staff will help you schedule your driving test. You can schedule it for the same day if a slot is available, or for a future date. You can also call the facility to schedule in advance if you prefer.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Chicago?
Yes, if your license is still valid and not expired. You can renew online through the Secretary of State's website in a few minutes. If your license is expired, you must visit a facility in person.
What happens if I move out of Illinois after getting a Chicago driver's license?
Your Illinois license remains valid until it expires. You can continue to use it in other states. If you move to another state permanently, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state, but there is no important date to do so when ready.