What your Illinois driver license number is and where to find it
Your Illinois driver license number is a unique nine-digit code printed on the front of your physical license card. It appears in the upper right corner, below your photograph. This number identifies you to the Secretary of State's office and is used whenever you need to verify your license status, renew your license, or provide proof of a valid Illinois license to an employer, insurance company, or law enforcement.
If you have your physical card in front of you, the number is the easiest place to look. If you don't have the card with you, you can find your number through the Secretary of State's online system or by calling their office directly.
Key Takeaways
- Your Illinois driver license number is a nine-digit code on the front of your card, located in the upper right corner below your photo.
- You can look up your license number online through the Secretary of State's website without needing to visit an office in person.
- Your license number stays the same throughout your life in Illinois, even when you renew your license.
- You will need your license number to renew online, check your driving record, or verify your license status with insurance companies and employers.
How to look up your number online
The Illinois Secretary of State offers an online tool to check your driver license information. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Driver Services" section. You will need to enter personal information such as your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to retrieve your license number.
This method works whether your license is current, expired, or suspended. The system will display your license number along with your license status and expiration date. You do not need to create an account or pay a fee to use this lookup tool.
Calling the Secretary of State to get your number
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services line. The phone number is 217-782-6900. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready when you call. A representative can provide your license number and answer questions about your license status.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically results in shorter hold times than calling on Friday afternoons or Monday mornings.
What happens if you cannot remember your number
Forgetting your license number is common and does not affect your ability to drive or renew your license. Many situations that require your license number—such as renewing online or checking your driving record—allow you to use your name and date of birth as an alternative if you do not have the number memorized.
If a specific organization asks for your license number and you cannot provide it, ask them if they can look it up using your name and date of birth instead. Most insurance companies, employers, and government offices have access to systems that can retrieve your number from the Secretary of State's database.
How your license number differs from other identification numbers
Your Illinois driver license number is separate from your Social Security number, your state ID number (if you have a non-driver ID), and your vehicle registration number. Each serves a different purpose. Your license number is specific to your driving privileges in Illinois, while your Social Security number is a federal identifier used for tax and employment purposes.
If you move to another state, you will receive a new driver license number from that state. Your Illinois number becomes inactive but remains on record with the Secretary of State. If you move back to Illinois later, you will receive a different number—the state does not reissue your original number.
When you need your license number and where to provide it
You will need your license number when renewing your license online, requesting a duplicate card, checking your driving record, or updating your address with the Secretary of State. Insurance companies ask for it when you purchase or modify a policy. Employers may request it for background checks or to verify your identity. Law enforcement will see it when they run your license during a traffic stop.
Never share your license number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited by phone or email claiming to represent the Secretary of State or a government agency. The Secretary of State does not call or email residents asking for license numbers or personal information. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up and call the Secretary of State's main line to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my license number change when I renew my license?
No. Your Illinois driver license number remains the same for your entire life as an Illinois resident, even when you renew your license every four or eight years. The number does not change unless you move out of state and later return to Illinois, in which case you receive a new number.
Can I use my license number to check if my license is suspended?
Yes. You can use your license number along with your date of birth on the Secretary of State's website to check your current license status. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked. You can also call 217-782-6900 to speak with a representative who can provide this information.
What should I do if I think someone has my license number and is using it fraudulently?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to report the issue. They can flag your account and help you determine whether fraudulent activity has occurred. You may also want to contact your local police department to file a report, especially if you suspect identity theft.
Is my driver license number the same as my state ID number?
No. If you have both a driver license and a state ID card, each has its own unique number. The state ID number is used for identification purposes only and does not relate to driving privileges. You cannot use one number in place of the other.