Where to go in Chicago for your Illinois driver's license
In Chicago, you get your Illinois driver's license at a Secretary of State facility, not at City Hall or a police station. The main downtown location is the Loop Driver Services facility at 100 W. Randolph St., but Chicago also has a facility on the South Side at 9901 S. King Dr. Both locations handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
You do not need an appointment at most Chicago facilities, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Loop location tends to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to check current wait times before you go, the Secretary of State website shows estimated times for each facility.
Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, though some locations have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the Secretary of State website to confirm hours for the specific location you plan to visit, since hours can change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Chicago — the Loop location at 100 W. Randolph St. or the South Side location at 9901 S. King Dr.
- Bring a valid Social Security card or tax return, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport to prove identity and citizenship.
- Illinois offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which you will need for domestic air travel after May 2025, and a standard license that works for driving only.
- Renewal by mail is an option if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or address changes, which saves a trip to the facility.
- The fee for a new license is $30 for a standard four-year license or $50 for a REAL ID license; renewals cost the same amount.
Documents you need to bring
Illinois requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. A school ID or expired driver's license does not count as primary identity.
For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full number. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. You cannot use a bank statement or credit card statement for this purpose.
For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current Chicago address and your name. A bank statement with your address is also acceptable. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring an official mail from a government agency sent to your new address.
Standard license versus REAL ID
Illinois offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID license or passport to board a domestic flight — a standard Illinois license will not work.
A REAL ID license costs $50 and is valid for four years. A standard license costs $30 and is also valid for four years. Both let you drive legally in Illinois and all other states. The REAL ID license has a small gold star in the upper right corner so TSA agents can spot it quickly.
To get a REAL ID license, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number. There is no extra paperwork — you straightforward tell the clerk at the facility which type you want. If you are unsure whether you will fly domestically in the next four years, the REAL ID is worth the extra $20 because you cannot upgrade a standard license to REAL ID later without renewing.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
If your Illinois driver's license is not yet expired and you have no medical conditions, no address change, and no name change, you can renew by mail. This saves a trip to Chicago if you live outside the city or prefer not to visit a facility.
To renew by mail, go to the Secretary of State website, read the renewal form, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test or other evaluation. In those cases, you must visit a facility in person.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive at the facility, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called, then sit with a clerk who will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information, and take your photo and signature digitally. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the clerk, though the wait before that can be longer.
You will also take a vision test at the facility — the clerk will ask you to read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision certificate before you can get your license.
After the clerk processes your information, you will pay the fee by card or cash. Your new license will be mailed to your Chicago address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person — you cannot replace it by mail. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need a police report, though having one can be helpful if you are concerned about identity theft.
Tell the clerk that you are replacing a lost or stolen license. The fee is the same as a renewal ($30 for standard, $50 for REAL ID). Your temporary paper license will be issued when ready, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen and you are worried about fraud, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. You can do this by calling Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, or by visiting their websites. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Getting a license if you are a new resident
If you just moved to Chicago from another state, you must get an Illinois driver's license within 30 days. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Chicago residency. The clerk will take your out-of-state license and issue you an Illinois license.
Your Illinois license will have a new number — it will not carry over from your previous state. You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license during that time.
If you do not have a current out-of-state license, bring a birth certificate or passport instead. The process is the same, and the fee is the same as a new license ($30 for standard, $50 for REAL ID).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Illinois does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no address or name changes, or you can visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and a plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 days.
What if I fail the vision test?
You will be given a form to take to an eye doctor. The doctor will perform a vision exam and sign the form if you meet Illinois vision standards. Bring the signed form back to the Secretary of State facility, and you can complete your license. There is no additional fee for the retest.
Do I need an appointment?
Most Chicago Secretary of State facilities do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check estimated wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. If wait times are very long, try visiting early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Saturday.
How long does my license last?
An Illinois driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew up to six months before expiration, which means you can start the renewal process when you have about six months left on your current license.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
Tell the clerk at the facility about your condition. Depending on what it is, you may need a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor before you can get your license. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license — for example, corrective lenses required, or daylight driving only. The clerk will explain what you need to do.