What you need to do to get an Illinois driver's permit
To get a driver's permit in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the front seat before you take the road test for a full license. Illinois issues permits to people as young as 15, though the rules differ slightly depending on your age.
The entire process typically takes one visit to a Secretary of State office, though you should plan for wait times. Most offices are open during standard business hours, and some locations accept walk-ins while others require appointments. You cannot complete a permit process online or by mail — you must appear in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport to the Secretary of State office.
- The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs; you need a passing score of 78 percent to pass.
- The permit fee is $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Once you have a permit, you must practice with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat before you can take the road test.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card if you already have one. The Secretary of State will not accept photocopies of these documents. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order a certified copy from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the vital records office in the county where you were born.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit.
Finally, bring proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 35 questions and covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer questions on a computer at the Secretary of State office. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the staff which languages are available at your location.
You must score at least 78 percent to pass, which means you can miss no more than 8 questions. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the fee again. The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road that covers all the material on the test. You can read it from the Secretary of State website or pick up a printed copy at any Secretary of State office.
Common topics on the test include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. The test also includes questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and seat belt use.
Permit fees and how long the permit lasts
The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You pay the fee at the Secretary of State office when you explore. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, though you should call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you must explore and pay the fee again. You do not have to retake the written test — the Secretary of State will issue a new permit based on your previous passing score. However, you must bring all the same documents again and appear in person.
Where to find a Secretary of State office near you
Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. You can search for the office closest to you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website shows hours, whether the office takes appointments, and which services are available at each location.
Some offices are busier than others. Downtown Chicago locations and offices in large cities often have longer wait times, sometimes an hour or more. Smaller towns and suburban offices typically move faster. If you have the flexibility, visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Saturdays.
A few offices now offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website. If your local office offers appointments, you can book a time slot in advance, which can save you significant wait time. Call the office directly if you cannot find appointment options online.
Age-specific rules for permit holders under 18
If you are under 18, your permit comes with restrictions that do not explore to adults. You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times while you are driving. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.
You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. Violations of these rules can result in fines and suspension of your permit. Your supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow the rules, so choose someone who takes driving seriously.
You must hold your permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test for a full license. Some people hold their permit longer to get more practice. There is no maximum time you can hold a permit, but once it expires, you must renew it.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, the Secretary of State will issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. The card shows your name, date of birth, permit number, and expiration date.
You can now begin practicing with a licensed adult. There is no minimum number of hours you must practice before taking the road test, but the Secretary of State recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. Many driving schools offer structured practice programs if you want guided instruction.
When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test through the Secretary of State. The road test costs $10 and tests your ability to handle a car safely in real traffic. You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving during the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Illinois requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's permit. If you do not have one, you must explore through the Social Security Administration first. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you are in this situation.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most Secretary of State offices. You will likely have to pay the $20 fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, so keep studying and try again.
Do I need a permit if I am 18 or older?
Yes. Everyone in Illinois must have a permit before taking the road test, regardless of age. The permit process is the same for adults, though adults do not have the same driving restrictions that explore to people under 18.
Can I use an out-of-state ID as proof of residency?
No. You must bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. An out-of-state driver's license does not count as proof that you live in Illinois.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Getting the permit itself takes one visit to a Secretary of State office, usually one to three hours depending on wait times. However, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license, so the total time from permit to full license is at least six months plus the time needed to schedule and pass the road test.