What you can look up about an Illinois driver license
The Illinois Secretary of State runs a public lookup tool that lets you find basic information about an active driver license — mainly whether a license is valid and what class it is. You cannot use this tool to recover a lost license number, see someone else's address or personal details, or check the status of a license process you submitted. The lookup works only for licenses that are currently valid or recently expired.
If you need your own license number and do not have it memorized, your physical license card shows it in the upper right corner. If you have lost the card itself, you will need to contact the Secretary of State's office directly by phone or in person at a Driver Services facility.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State's online lookup tool shows whether a license is valid, but only for licenses that are currently active or recently expired.
- To find your own license number, check the physical card or call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900.
- The lookup tool does not show personal information like address, driving record, or points on your license.
- If you need to check the status of a license you applied for, you must contact Driver Services directly — the public lookup will not show pending applications.
How to use the Illinois Secretary of State lookup tool
Go to the Secretary of State website and find the "Driver License Status" lookup page. You will need to enter the driver's license number and the date of birth of the person whose license you are checking. The tool will return one of three results: valid, expired, or not found in the system.
The lookup is when ready and free. It works for Illinois licenses only — you cannot use it to check licenses from other states. If the license number you enter does not match the date of birth, the system will return "not found" even if the license exists, so double-check both pieces of information before you search.
What the lookup results actually tell you
A "valid" result means the license is currently active and has not been suspended, revoked, or expired. A "recently expired" result means the license passed its expiration date but the Secretary of State's records have not yet been purged — this typically covers licenses expired within the last year or so. A "not found" result means either the license number and date of birth do not match, the license has been expired for a long time, or the license was never issued.
The lookup does not show you the license class (like Class D for regular driving), restrictions, endorsements, or any information about violations or points. It also does not show whether a suspension or revocation is in effect — it only shows whether the license itself is valid. If you need details beyond "valid" or "expired," you must contact Driver Services directly.
When you need to contact Driver Services instead
Call the Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 if you need to find your own license number, check the status of an process you submitted, understand why a lookup returned "not found," or get information about suspensions, revocations, or points on your record. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
You can also visit a Driver Services facility in person. Illinois has multiple locations across the state; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to show proof of residency if you are asking about your own license. In-person visits do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Finding your license number if you have lost it
If your physical license card is lost or stolen, the easiest way to find your number is to call Driver Services at 217-782-6900. Have your date of birth and Social Security number ready. The staff member can look up your license number in the system and read it to you over the phone.
You can also visit a Driver Services facility in person with a photo ID and proof of residency. They will look up your number and can issue you a replacement card on the spot if you need one. There is a fee for a replacement card — check the Secretary of State website for the current amount, as it changes periodically.
Understanding license status codes you might see
Illinois uses several status codes in its system. "Valid" means the license is active and in good standing. "Expired" means the license has passed its expiration date. "Suspended" or "Revoked" means the license is not valid for driving, though the lookup tool may not always display these codes clearly — you may need to call to confirm. "Cancelled" means the license was voluntarily surrendered or was never activated.
If you see a status other than "valid" and you believe it is wrong, contact Driver Services when ready. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Illinois, so it is important to clear up any confusion before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone else's driver license information?
The public lookup tool shows only whether a license is valid or expired — it does not display the person's name, address, or any personal details. You can search using a license number and date of birth, but you will only learn the status, not who the license belongs to.
What if the lookup says "not found" but I know the license is valid?
Double-check that you entered the license number and date of birth correctly. If both are right and the result is still "not found," the license may have been expired for several years and purged from the public database, or there may be an error in the Secretary of State's records. Call Driver Services at 217-782-6900 to investigate.
How often is the lookup tool updated?
The tool reflects the Secretary of State's current records, but there can be a delay of a few days between when a license status changes and when the lookup shows the new status. If you need real-time information about a recent change, call Driver Services directly.
Can I use the lookup tool to check if my license renewal was processed?
No. The lookup tool shows only whether your current license is valid. To check the status of a renewal process, call Driver Services at 217-782-6900 or visit a Driver Services facility in person.