Bring these documents to the Secretary of State office
Illinois requires you to bring four categories of documents to get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. You do not need all documents in every category — you need one from most categories, though some combinations work better than others. The Secretary of State's office will not accept photocopies or digital images of most documents; bring originals or certified copies.
If you are renewing a license that has not expired more than a year ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online and skip the office visit entirely. But if you are getting your first Illinois license, changing your name, or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must appear in person with these documents.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document proving your identity, one proving where you live, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you can legally be in the United States.
- A passport counts as both identity and lawful presence, so bringing a passport alone covers two categories.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency if they show your name and current address.
- The Secretary of State office will not accept photocopies or photos of documents — bring originals or certified copies.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.
Proof of identity documents
Bring one document from this list. It must show your name, date of birth, and either a photo or a physical description.
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe
- Military ID card
- Out-of-state driver's license or ID card that has not expired more than one year ago
If your birth certificate is a photocopy or was issued more than one year ago and shows a different name than you use now, bring additional documents showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will not accept a birth certificate that is a photocopy unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it.
Proof of residency in Illinois
Bring one document from this list. It must show your name and your current Illinois address.
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
- Pay stub dated within the last 60 days
- Letter from your employer on company letterhead
- Voter registration card
- Property deed
If you recently moved to Illinois and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your name, the address, and the move-in date. If you are staying with someone else temporarily, bring a signed letter from the person who lives there, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease showing they live at that address.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring one document from this list.
- Social Security card (original)
- W-2 form or pay stub showing your full Social Security number
- Tax return (federal or state)
- Letter from the Social Security Administration
If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access to get one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. You can request this letter by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.
Proof of lawful presence in the United States
Bring one document from this list. This is required for all driver's licenses issued after January 1, 2010.
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Arrival/Departure record (Form I-94) with an approved I-539 or I-131 process
- Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe
- Military ID card or discharge papers
If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate will cover both the identity requirement and the lawful presence requirement, so you do not need to bring a separate document for lawful presence. If you have a Green Card or work authorization, that document covers lawful presence on its own.
What to bring if you are changing your name
If your name has changed since you got your last ID, bring the original document showing the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The Secretary of State will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified by the court or agency that issued it.
If you changed your name more than once — for example, you were married, divorced, and married again — bring documents for each change in order. The office staff will review them to confirm the chain of name changes is clear.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring a Social Security card if you have a recent pay stub or tax return showing your number. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship if you have a passport. You do not need to bring a separate proof of lawful presence if your identity document already serves that purpose.
You do not need to bring proof of Illinois residency if you are getting your first license and moved to Illinois within the last 30 days — the Secretary of State will accept an out-of-state address temporarily. However, you must update your address within 30 days of moving. You do not need to bring a completed process form; the office will give you one to fill out when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. The Secretary of State requires original documents or certified copies for most items. The only exception is if you are renewing your license by mail or online, in which case you may be able to upload images. Call your local Secretary of State office to confirm whether mail or online renewal is an option for your situation.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can get a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. You can order it by mail, phone, or online — search "[your state] vital records" to find the office. It usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport, military ID, or other identity document from the list above.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent pay stub?
No. A pay stub, W-2, or tax return showing your full Social Security number works just as well. The office only needs to verify your number — they do not need the card itself.
What if my residency documents show a different address than my ID?
Bring both documents. The Secretary of State will use the address on your residency document as your official address on the new license. If the addresses are very different, bring an explanation — for example, if you recently moved, bring the lease or utility bill for your new address and explain that you have not yet updated your other documents.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Secretary of State office with your documents. The office staff will verify your identity and take your photo. If you cannot travel, contact your local office to ask about exceptions or alternative options.