What You Need to Do to Get a New Illinois Driver's License
To get a new driver's license in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. Illinois does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will need to schedule an appointment through the Illinois Secretary of State website or call their customer service line, though walk-ins are accepted at some locations depending on wait times.
The process takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour at the facility itself. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person; Illinois does not issue new licenses online or by mail.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and payment for the fee, which varies by license type and validity period.
- You will take a vision test at the facility; bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
- Scheduling an appointment online or by phone reduces wait time, though some locations accept walk-ins.
- Your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State
Illinois requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity if it is still valid. Expired licenses from other states do not.
You also need proof that you live in Illinois. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. You will also need to know your Illinois address and any previous addresses you have lived at in the past five years.
Fees and License Validity Periods
The cost of a new Illinois driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. Real ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access, cost slightly more than standard licenses.
If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday regardless of which validity period you choose. Licenses for drivers 21 and older can be valid for four or eight years. You can choose which option you prefer when you visit the facility.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most facilities. Some locations may have restrictions on payment methods, so check the specific facility's page on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Vision Test Requirements at the Facility
Every new driver's license applicant must pass a vision test at the Secretary of State facility. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you and wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, you will not receive your license that day. You will be told what vision correction you need and directed to see an eye doctor. Once you have been treated or fitted with corrective lenses, you can return to the facility to retake the test. There is usually no additional fee for the retest.
How to Schedule an Appointment or Handle Walk-Ins
The Illinois Secretary of State website allows you to schedule an appointment at your nearest Driver Services facility. You can select your preferred date and time, and the system will show you available slots. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during busy seasons.
If you cannot find an appointment time that works, you can visit a facility as a walk-in. Wait times for walk-ins vary by location and time of day. Facilities in rural areas and smaller cities often have shorter waits than those in Chicago and its suburbs. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.
You can also call the Secretary of State customer service line to ask about wait times at specific locations or to schedule an appointment by phone if you prefer not to use the website.
Getting Your Temporary License and Waiting for Your Physical License
After you pass the vision test and complete your process at the facility, you can request a temporary paper license. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the facility within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address with the Secretary of State, though this may delay delivery. Do not assume your license was lost if it has not arrived within two weeks; mail delivery times can vary.
If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State to report it. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to a facility?
Online renewal is available only if your license is already valid and you are renewing it before it expires. New licenses cannot be obtained online. You must visit a facility in person for a new license.
What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have one?
You can use a passport, passport card, or other government-issued ID that shows your date of birth. If you do not have any of these, you can order a birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Vital Records or the state where you were born. The Secretary of State website lists acceptable documents.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to get a new license?
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you do not need to take a written or driving test. You only need to pass the vision test. If you are getting your first license, you must pass both a written test and a driving test at a separate appointment.
What happens if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State with your new address. They can update your mailing address, though this may delay delivery by a few days. Your license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when it is processed.
Can I get a Real ID license, and what is the difference?
Yes. A Real ID-compliant license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. It costs slightly more and requires one additional document proving your residency. Ask for a Real ID license when you visit the facility if you want one.