What you need to bring to the Secretary of State
To get your first Illinois driver's license, you will visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your Illinois address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
You will also need a completed process for Illinois Identification Card or Driver's License, which is form DL 430. You can fill this out before you arrive or at the facility. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process and be present with you.
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov will work. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card or number, and proof of Illinois address.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment and sign your process.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
- The entire process typically takes several weeks from the day you pass your driving test, and you will receive your license by mail.
- Fees vary by age and license type, and the Secretary of State website shows the current cost for a first-time license.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the road test, you must pass a written exam on Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Driver Services facility, and results are when ready.
The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also includes questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists. The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road, which covers all the material on the test. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any Driver Services facility.
You are allowed to retake the written test if you do not pass on your first try. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a retest fee depending on the facility.
The vision and driving tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the facility. The screener will check your ability to see clearly and identify colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and bring documentation of your vision correction before you can try again.
The driving test takes place on public roads near the facility and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will sit in the car with you and watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting and stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive.
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is usually a wait of several days to a few weeks for the next available test slot, depending on how busy the facility is.
Timeline from test to receiving your license
After you pass both the written and driving tests, the Secretary of State will issue your license. You will not receive it when ready. Instead, the state prints your license and mails it to the address you provided on your process. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
While you wait for your physical license to arrive, you will receive a temporary paper license at the facility. This temporary license is valid for driving in Illinois and can be used as proof of your license status. Keep it with you while driving until your permanent license arrives in the mail.
If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services office where you took your test. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a first-time driver's license in Illinois depends on your age and the type of license you are getting. A standard driver's license for someone 18 or older costs one amount, while a license for someone under 18 costs a different amount. The Secretary of State website shows the current fee schedule, which can change year to year.
You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most Driver Services facilities. Some facilities also accept credit cards. Ask at the facility where you plan to go what payment methods they take. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Secretary of State.
Finding a Driver Services facility and scheduling an appointment
Illinois has Driver Services facilities throughout the state, run by the Secretary of State. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities require you to schedule an appointment online, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local facility's policy before you go.
If your local facility is very busy, you may be able to visit a different location with a shorter wait. The Secretary of State website shows wait times for multiple facilities so you can choose the one that works best for you. During busy seasons — typically spring and summer — wait times can be several hours even with an appointment.
If you have a disability or need language help
The Secretary of State offers accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can bring an interpreter or request a video relay service at the facility. If you are blind or have low vision, staff can read forms and test questions aloud to you. If you have mobility issues, facilities have accessible parking and entrances.
If English is not your first language, you can request a written test in Spanish. The Secretary of State also has materials in other languages available at some facilities. Call ahead to ask what languages are supported at your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Driver Services facility. The test is administered on a computer at the facility, and an examiner must watch you take it to verify your identity and may support the test is not compromised.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will need to wait for the next available test slot at your facility, which may be several days to a few weeks away. You will pay the retest fee each time you take the test.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my license?
Illinois does not require a formal driver education course for first-time adult drivers. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course approved by the Secretary of State before you can take the driving test. The course can be taken online or in person through a school or private provider.
What if I move after I pass my test but before my license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services office where you took your test as soon as possible with your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the correct location. Do not wait until your license is lost in the mail.
Can someone else pick up my license if it arrives while I am away?
Your license is mailed directly to you, so no one else can pick it up. If you will be away when it arrives, you can have mail held at your local post office or ask a trusted person to collect it for you. Your license will have your name on the envelope.