Illinois issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status

Illinois allows you to get a driver's license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The state issues two types of licenses: a standard driver's license (valid for driving) and an ID card (valid for identification only, not driving). Both require the same documents and pass the same written and road tests.

The process is the same whether you were born in Illinois or moved there from another state or country. You go to a Secretary of State facility, bring specific documents, pass a vision test and written exam, and take a road test. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you may wait several months for a road test appointment depending on how busy your local facility is.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to get a driver's license or ID card.
  • You will need a valid passport or travel document, proof of Illinois residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The Secretary of State's office handles all driver's licenses in Illinois, and you must visit a facility in person to explore.
  • You must pass a vision test, written knowledge exam, and road test; the written exam is offered in multiple languages including Spanish.

What documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your passport, travel document, or national ID card issued by your home country. This is your proof of identity and date of birth. If your document is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.

You also need proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address works. The document must show your name and an Illinois address, and it should be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring a Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to provide the number or a document showing it, such as a tax return or ITIN letter from the IRS.

How to find and visit a Secretary of State facility

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your city or ZIP code. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and whether you can book an appointment online or must walk in.

Some facilities take appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead is worth the time — staff can tell you how long the wait is and whether you have all the documents you need. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. Do not bring photocopies unless the Secretary of State's website specifically says photocopies are acceptable for that document type.

The vision test and written exam

At the facility, you will take a vision screening first. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

Next comes the written knowledge test. You answer questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test is offered in English and Spanish at most facilities. You can request the Spanish version when you arrive. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one attempt; if you do not pass, you can retake it on another day.

Study materials are free on the Secretary of State website. The site has a practice test in English and Spanish that mirrors the real exam. Many public libraries also have printed study guides.

The road test and what happens after you pass

After you pass the written exam, you schedule a road test at a later date. Road test appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so you may wait several weeks. During the test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you drive for about 15 minutes. You must demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.

If you pass the road test, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you do not pass, you can retake the road test after waiting a set number of days — the examiner will tell you when you can schedule your next attempt.

Cost and how long it takes

A driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years. An ID card (for identification only, not driving) costs $20 and is also valid for four years. You pay at the Secretary of State facility when you explore.

The timeline depends on how busy your local facility is. From the day you walk in to the day you take your road test usually takes two to eight weeks. Once you pass the road test, your permanent card arrives within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license works.

If you already have a license from another country

Having a valid driver's license from your home country does not skip the written or road test in Illinois. You still must pass both. However, some people find that their experience driving in another country helps them pass the road test more easily.

If your foreign license is in another language, bring a certified English translation along with your original. The Secretary of State may ask to see it, though it does not replace the Illinois license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license in Illinois?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or ITIN letter from the IRS. If you have neither, contact the Secretary of State facility directly to ask what alternatives they accept.

What if my passport or travel document is expired?

An expired passport still works as proof of identity for a driver's license. The Secretary of State accepts it as long as it is a valid government-issued document with your photo and date of birth. Bring it along with your other documents.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?

The Secretary of State offers the written test in English and Spanish at most facilities. If you need the test in another language, call your local facility to ask whether they can arrange an interpreter or provide the test in your language. Some facilities may require advance notice.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period. The examiner will tell you the earliest date you can schedule your next attempt — this is usually a few days to a week. You do not pay again; your fee covers multiple attempts within a certain timeframe.

Is a driver's license from Illinois accepted outside the state?

Yes. An Illinois driver's license is recognized in all U.S. states and territories. However, some states have different rules about what documents they accept from immigrants. If you plan to move or travel, check the rules for that state or country before you go.