Documents required for an Illinois driver's license
To get an Illinois driver's license, you need to bring four types of documents to a Secretary of State facility: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed process form. The specific documents that count for each category vary, and some documents work for more than one category at the same time. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip, so knowing exactly what the Secretary of State will accept before you go saves time.
Illinois groups acceptable documents into categories rather than requiring one specific piece of paper for each requirement. This means you have choices within each category, but you must bring at least one document from each of the four groups. A document that proves both identity and residency, for example, counts toward both requirements but you still need separate proof of your Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring documents from four separate categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and a completed process (Form DL 100).
- Some documents satisfy more than one requirement—a passport, for instance, proves both identity and Social Security number—but you still need proof of residency.
- Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days, so utility bills and lease agreements work but old documents do not.
- The Secretary of State accepts both original documents and certified copies, but photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted.
- Minors under 18 need all four document categories plus a parent or guardian present with their own identification.
Proof of identity documents
Your proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy—not a photocopy or a photo of the document on your phone. The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you do not have any of these, you can use a valid out-of-state driver's license or ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or an Illinois Identification Card.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, a certified birth certificate from your country of origin works if it is accompanied by an official English translation. The translation must be certified by the agency that issued the birth certificate or by a professional translator. A regular translation you find online or create yourself will not be accepted.
Proof of Social Security number
You can prove your Social Security number with an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
A U.S. passport or passport card also satisfies this requirement, so if you bring a passport as your proof of identity, you do not need a separate Social Security document. The same applies to a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship—these documents count toward both identity and Social Security proof.
Proof of residency in Illinois
Your proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement all work. Government-issued mail such as a tax return or voter registration card also counts. The document must have your name and your current Illinois address printed on it.
If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, your current address, and the move-in date. Some people use a bank statement or credit card statement, which typically arrive within 60 days of the statement date. If you live with family or friends and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the person whose name appears on the bill to write a letter confirming you live there, and bring that letter along with the utility bill or lease showing their address.
The process form and what to bring in person
You must complete Form DL 100, the Illinois Driver's License process, before you arrive at the Secretary of State office. You can read and print this form from cyberdriveillinois.com, or you can fill it out on a computer and bring it printed, or you can request a paper copy when you arrive. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and other basic information. If you are renewing or replacing a license, some of this information may already be on file.
Bring the original or certified copies of all your documents in person to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Photocopies are not accepted, and you cannot mail documents in advance. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a license you already hold. Bring your documents, your completed process, and be prepared to pay the fee, which varies depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one.
Documents for minors under 18
If you are under 18, you need all four document categories listed above, plus a parent or legal guardian must be present with you. The parent or guardian must bring their own proof of identity and proof of residency. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody papers or court order showing that custody. If both parents share custody, either parent can sign the process, but some Secretary of State offices may ask for documentation of the custody arrangement.
Minors also must complete a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, which means restrictions on when and where you can drive during your first two years. These restrictions are separate from the documents you bring—they are part of the licensing process itself. Your parent or guardian will sign the process acknowledging these restrictions.
What happens if a document is missing or expired
If you arrive without one of the four required document categories, the Secretary of State office will not process your process that day. You will need to return with the missing document. If your proof of residency is older than 60 days, it will not be accepted, so check the date before you go. Expired identity documents like an out-of-state driver's license are still accepted as proof of identity, but expired utility bills or lease agreements are not accepted as proof of residency.
If you do not have a Social Security number—for example, if you are a non-citizen without authorization to work—you can still get an Illinois driver's license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. This letter must be requested directly from the Social Security Administration and cannot be replaced with any other document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. The Secretary of State requires original documents or certified copies. Photos on your phone, photocopies, or scanned images are not accepted. You must bring the physical documents in person to the Secretary of State office.
What if I was born outside the United States and don't have a passport?
You can use a certified birth certificate from your country of origin with an official English translation. The translation must be certified by the agency that issued the birth certificate or by a professional translator. A personal translation will not be accepted.
Does my proof of residency have to be in my name?
Yes, the document must show your name and your current Illinois address. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the person whose name is on the bill to write a letter on their letterhead confirming you live there, and bring that letter along with the utility bill or lease showing their address.
Can I bring documents that are older than 60 days for proof of residency?
No. Your proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved or your utility bill is older than 60 days, bring a more recent statement or ask your landlord for a dated letter confirming your current address.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can still get an Illinois driver's license. You must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Request this letter directly from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.