What you need to get an Illinois driver's license

To get your first Illinois driver's license, you need to visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The state accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth as identity documents. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can show your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return for your Social Security number.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. The knowledge test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the test. You can take the course online or in person through approved providers.

The cost for a driver's license in Illinois is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get your first license.
  • Illinois requires you to pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the office, and drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course first.
  • A four-year license costs $30 and a 10-year license costs $95, and you can renew online if you meet certain conditions.
  • Your license expires on your birthday four or ten years after issue, depending on which license type you chose.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact the Secretary of State to learn what steps are required before you can drive again.

Renewing your Illinois driver's license online or by mail

You can renew your Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State website if you meet these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you are at least 21 years old, your license has not been expired for more than five years, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a 10-year license and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you can renew by mail. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and costs the same as online renewal. You will need to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the address listed on the Secretary of State website.

If you cannot renew online or by mail, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person. This is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing your license in person at a Secretary of State office

To renew your license in person, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and payment. You will pass a new vision test. You do not need to retake the written knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or your driving record shows violations.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Finding a Secretary of State office and scheduling an appointment

Illinois has Secretary of State offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the same website. Walk-in service is available at some locations, but wait times can be long during busy hours.

If you cannot reach an office near you, some services are also available at currency exchanges and some grocery stores, though these locations have limits on what they can do. Call ahead to confirm what services are available at your nearest location.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspension means you cannot drive for a set period, after which your driving rights are restored automatically. A revocation means your license has been cancelled and you must meet specific conditions before you can drive again. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, visit the Secretary of State website and use the driver services lookup tool, or call the office directly. The lookup tool will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving rights. This may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out the suspension period.

Once you have met all requirements, you can request reinstatement through the Secretary of State office. There is usually a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation.

Getting a REAL ID compliant license

A REAL ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. Illinois driver's licenses are REAL ID compliant by default, so if you have renewed your license since 2017, you already have one.

If your license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade it at any Secretary of State office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The upgrade costs $20 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it online, by mail, or in person. Online replacement costs $20 and takes about two weeks. Mail replacement also costs $20 and takes four to six weeks. In-person replacement at a Secretary of State office costs $20 and you can receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license to arrive.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though this is not required to replace it through the Secretary of State.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Illinois driver's license?

If you take the test in person at a Secretary of State office, your license will be mailed to you within two weeks. Online and mail renewals also take about two weeks. You can ask for a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while you wait.

Can I renew my Illinois license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Illinois, you must get a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew an Illinois license if you have moved and changed your address.

What happens if my Illinois license expires while I am out of the country?

You can still renew your license by mail or online when you return, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. If it has been expired longer than that, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew my license?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or your driving record shows serious violations. In most cases, you only need to pass a vision test to renew.

Can I get a duplicate license if I need two copies?

Illinois does not issue duplicate licenses. You can only have one valid driver's license at a time. If you need proof of your license number for a form, you can contact the Secretary of State office or check your records from when the license was issued.