What you need to get a driver's license in Springfield

To get a driver's license in Springfield, you will visit the Secretary of State's Driver Services facility on East Monroe Street. You need to bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, an eye exam, and a driving test. The written test has 50 questions; you need 40 correct to pass. The eye exam checks your vision and color blindness. The driving test lasts about 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws.

The fee for a driver's license is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Payments are cash or card. Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to the Secretary of State's Driver Services office on East Monroe Street in Springfield.
  • You must pass a written test (50 questions, need 40 correct), an eye exam, and a 15-minute driving test on the same day.
  • A four-year license costs $30; an eight-year license costs $60, and both are paid by cash or card at the office.
  • Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign your process.

Documents you must bring to the Springfield office

Proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy. A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or state ID all work. A driver's license from another state counts if it is still valid. School IDs, work IDs, and photocopies do not work.

Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. The name on the document must match the name on your process. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to finish. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait a few hours.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State's website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare.

You take the test on a computer at the Springfield office. The questions are multiple choice. You will see your score when ready after you finish.

The eye exam and driving test on the same day

After you pass the written test, you take an eye exam at the same office. The exam checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. The examiner also checks your color vision and peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you fail the eye exam, you cannot take the driving test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the office with proof that you now meet the vision standard.

The driving test comes last. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, park, and respond to other drivers. The test takes about 15 minutes and covers city streets near the office. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one; the office does not provide test vehicles.

Fees and payment methods at the Springfield office

A four-year driver's license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $60. You pay at the office on the day you pass all tests. The office takes cash and debit or credit cards. There is no fee to retake the written test on the same day if you fail the first time.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the fee is $20. If you need to change your name or address on your license, the fee is $10. These fees are separate from the cost of a new license.

Hours and location of the Springfield Driver Services office

The Springfield Driver Services facility is located at 2401 East Monroe Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

Arrive early if you can. The office gets busy in the late morning and early afternoon. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. There is free parking in the lot next to the building.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted during all open hours. However, the office may stop accepting new applicants 30 minutes before closing time if the wait is very long.

What happens after you pass all tests

Once you pass the written test, eye exam, and driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your permanent plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. It is mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Secretary of State's office to report it.

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years depending on which you chose. You can renew it by mail before it expires, or you can renew in person at the Springfield office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a car with an automatic transmission if I learned in a manual?

Yes. You can take the test in any vehicle you have access to. However, if you pass the test in an automatic, your license will have a restriction limiting you to automatic transmissions only. To remove that restriction, you must retake the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one business day. You do not need to retake the written test or eye exam. The fee to retake the driving test is $10. You can schedule a retest by calling the Springfield office or visiting in person.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to provide your Social Security number. You can write it on the process form. If you do not have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for one.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the office?

No. Your license is mailed to the address on your process. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office. If your mailing address changes before your license arrives, contact the Secretary of State to update it.

What if I move out of Springfield before my license arrives?

Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move, contact the Secretary of State's office with your new address so they can update their records. Your license will be forwarded to your new address if you file a change of address with the post office.