Where to find your Illinois driver's license number

Your Illinois driver's license number is printed on the front of your physical license card in the upper right corner. It is an 11-digit number that starts with a letter. If you have your card in front of you, that is the fastest way to locate it.

If you cannot find your physical card, the Illinois Secretary of State's office keeps a record of your license number tied to your name and date of birth. You can contact them directly to request this information, though the process requires you to verify your identity first.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Illinois driver's license number appears on the front of your card in the upper right corner as an 11-digit code starting with a letter.
  • The Illinois Secretary of State's office can provide your license number if you contact them with proof of identity.
  • You can call the Secretary of State's Driver Services division at 217-782-6900 during business hours to request your number.
  • If you have lost your license, you will need to report it and may be asked to replace it rather than straightforward retrieve the number.

Contacting the Illinois Secretary of State

The Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services division handles requests for license information. You can reach them by phone at 217-782-6900. Have your full name, date of birth, and current address ready when you call, as staff will use this information to locate your record.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times can be long during peak hours, particularly mid-morning and early afternoon. Calling early in the week or later in the day may result in shorter hold times.

What information you will need to provide

When you contact the Secretary of State, be prepared to give your full legal name exactly as it appears on your license, your date of birth, and your current address. If your name has changed since you received your license, mention that as well.

The office may ask for additional identifying information depending on how recent your license is and whether your record has any flags or holds. Having your Social Security number available can speed up the process, though you should only provide it if the staff member specifically requests it.

If your license has been lost or suspended

If your license is lost, stolen, or suspended, the Secretary of State's office will tell you that when you call. A suspended or revoked license means you cannot straightforward retrieve the number — you will need to address the suspension or revocation first before the number becomes useful to you.

If your license is lost or stolen, you have the option to report it and request a replacement card. The replacement process involves a fee and takes several weeks. In the meantime, the office can still provide your license number over the phone if you need it for a specific purpose.

Using your license number for other purposes

Your Illinois driver's license number is often requested when you renew your registration, explore for a state ID, or interact with law enforcement. Some private businesses and financial institutions may also ask for it as a form of identification, though you are not required to provide it unless there is a legal reason.

Be cautious about sharing your license number with unfamiliar businesses or online. Your license number, combined with your name and date of birth, can be used to look up personal information in some contexts. Only provide it when you are certain of the reason and the legitimacy of the request.

Alternatives if you cannot reach the Secretary of State by phone

If phone lines are consistently busy, you can visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Locations exist in most Illinois counties. You will need to bring a form of identification and be prepared to wait, but staff can look up your license number on the spot.

You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on the Secretary of State's website under "Driver Services Locations." Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go, which can help you choose the best time to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up my Illinois driver's license number online?

The Secretary of State does not offer a public online lookup tool for driver's license numbers. You must call 217-782-6900 or visit a Driver Services office in person to retrieve your number from state records.

What if I moved to another state but still have my Illinois license?

Your Illinois license number remains the same regardless of where you live. You can still contact the Illinois Secretary of State using the phone number above. However, if you now live in another state, you may want to transfer your license to your new state of residence.

Is my driver's license number the same as my ID number?

No. If you have both an Illinois driver's license and a state ID card, each has its own separate number. The driver's license number is what appears on your license card. If you need the ID number instead, you will need to contact the Secretary of State and specify which document you are asking about.

How long does it take to get your license number over the phone?

Once you reach a staff member, they can usually provide your license number within a few minutes. The main delay is waiting in the phone queue, which can range from 5 to 30 minutes depending on call volume and the time of day you call.