The physical layout of an Illinois driver's license
An Illinois driver's license is a wallet-sized card that measures 3.386 inches by 2.125 inches — slightly larger than a standard credit card. The front of the card displays your photograph in the upper left corner, with your name, date of birth, and address printed below it. Your driver's license number appears on the front as well, along with the issue and expiration dates.
The back of the card contains your signature, a barcode, and a magnetic stripe that stores encoded information. The card itself is made of polycarbonate plastic and includes several security features designed to prevent counterfeiting, including a holographic image and microprinting that are difficult to reproduce.
Key Takeaways
- An Illinois driver's license displays your photograph, full name, date of birth, address, and driver's license number on the front.
- The back contains your signature, a barcode, and a magnetic stripe that holds encoded personal information.
- Illinois licenses come in two formats: the standard license for drivers 21 and older, and a different design for drivers under 21.
- The card includes security features like holograms and microprinting to prevent counterfeiting.
- Your license expires on your birthday, and the expiration date appears clearly on the front of the card.
How the front of the card is organized
The front of your Illinois license is divided into sections for straightforward reading. Your photograph occupies the upper left portion of the card. To the right of your photo, you will see your full legal name printed in large text. Below your name is your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY, followed by your residential address as it appears in the Secretary of State's records.
The driver's license number is a nine-digit code unique to you. This number appears in the lower left area of the front of the card. The issue date and expiration date are printed near the bottom right. Illinois licenses expire on your birthday, so the expiration date will always fall on the month and day you were born.
Differences between licenses for drivers under 21 and 21 or older
Illinois issues two distinct license designs based on your age. If you are under 21, your license has a vertical orientation (taller than it is wide) and displays a red bar or stripe across the top. This design makes it when ready clear to merchants and law enforcement that you are a minor. The photograph and personal information are arranged differently on the vertical card to accommodate the orientation.
Once you turn 21, you receive a standard horizontal license (wider than it is tall) with a blue design. The layout of information remains similar, but the card's orientation and color scheme change. You do not automatically receive a new card on your 21st birthday — you must renew your license through the Secretary of State when your current license expires or when you choose to upgrade to the adult design.
Security features that prevent counterfeiting
Illinois driver's licenses include multiple anti-counterfeiting measures embedded in the card itself. A holographic image appears on the front of the card and changes appearance when viewed from different angles. This three-dimensional effect is extremely difficult to replicate without specialized equipment.
Microprinting — text so small it is nearly invisible to the naked eye but readable under magnification — appears in several locations on the card. The card also uses color-shifting ink in certain areas, which changes color depending on the angle at which you view it. These features work together to make forging an Illinois license impractical for most counterfeiters.
What the barcode and magnetic stripe contain
The back of your Illinois driver's license contains both a barcode and a magnetic stripe. The barcode is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by a barcode reader, similar to those used in retail stores. When scanned, the barcode returns your driver's license number and other basic information.
The magnetic stripe stores encoded data that includes your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and driving record information. Law enforcement and other authorized agencies can swipe the magnetic stripe to access this information quickly. The data on both the barcode and magnetic stripe must match the information printed on the front of the card.
How to read the expiration date and renewal information
Your license expiration date appears on the front of the card in a clearly marked field, usually in the lower right area. The date is printed in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Because Illinois licenses expire on your birthday, you can calculate your expiration date by knowing your birth date and the year the license was issued.
The Secretary of State typically sends renewal notices to your address on file approximately 30 to 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can check your expiration date by visiting the Secretary of State website or by examining your current license. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois, so it is important to track when your license will expire and plan to renew it before that date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my driver's license is damaged or the information is hard to read?
If your license is damaged, faded, or unreadable, you can request a replacement card from the Secretary of State. You will need to provide identification and pay a replacement fee. The new card will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you are also renewing your license at the same time.
Can I use a photocopy of my driver's license as a valid ID?
No. A photocopy of your driver's license is not a valid form of identification. Businesses and government agencies require the original physical card. Photocopies lack the security features that prevent counterfeiting, and they cannot be scanned or swiped to verify your information.
What happens if the address on my license no longer matches where I live?
You should update your address with the Secretary of State. You can change your address online through the Secretary of State website without renewing your license. An address change does not extend your license expiration date — your license still expires on your birthday as originally scheduled.
Why is my license vertical if I am under 21 but my friend's is horizontal?
Illinois issues vertical licenses to drivers under 21 and horizontal licenses to drivers 21 and older. This design difference helps businesses and law enforcement quickly identify whether a person is of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco. Once you turn 21, you can request a new horizontal license, though you are not required to until your current license expires.