What a Chauffeur License Is and Who Needs One
A chauffeur license in Illinois is a commercial driver classification that allows you to be paid to transport passengers. It is different from a regular Class D driver license — you cannot legally charge money for rides with a standard license, even if you use your own vehicle. Illinois calls this license a Chauffeur (Ch) endorsement, and it sits between a regular license and a commercial driver license (CDL).
You need a chauffeur license if you drive for a rideshare company, work as a private driver, operate a limousine service, drive a taxi, or transport passengers for any other paid purpose. The state requires this because passenger transport carries higher liability and safety standards than personal driving. A chauffeur license shows you have passed background checks, medical screening, and knowledge tests specific to passenger safety.
If you drive for a company like Uber or Lyft, you still need an Illinois chauffeur license — the rideshare app does not replace it. Some drivers mistakenly believe the app registration is enough; it is not. You must hold both the chauffeur endorsement and whatever insurance the company requires.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a chauffeur endorsement to any valid Illinois driver license before you can legally charge money to transport passengers.
- The process requires a medical examination, a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a background check that includes fingerprinting.
- You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Illinois driver license for at least one year, and have a clean driving record with no serious violations in the past three years.
- The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to approval, depending on how quickly you schedule your medical exam and driving test.
- Fees total approximately $150 to $200, including the medical exam, license fee, and test fees, though the medical exam cost varies by provider.
Age, License, and Driving Record Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to hold a chauffeur license in Illinois. There is no upper age limit, but you will need to pass a medical examination regardless of your age, and the results must show you are physically and mentally fit to transport passengers safely.
You must already hold a valid Illinois driver license — you cannot get a chauffeur endorsement on its own. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to convert it to an Illinois license first. Your Illinois license must have been active and in your possession for at least one year before you can explore for the chauffeur endorsement. This one-year waiting period cannot be waived.
Your driving record must be clean. Illinois will reject your process if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past three years, including reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), hit-and-run, or driving with a suspended or revoked license. Minor speeding tickets or parking violations typically do not disqualify you, but serious moving violations will. You can request a copy of your driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State before you explore to know where you stand.
Medical Examination and Background Check Requirements
You must pass a medical examination performed by a physician licensed in Illinois. The exam is not a straightforward checkup — it focuses on your ability to safely operate a vehicle and transport passengers. The doctor will assess your vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and mental fitness. You will need to report any medications you take, any history of seizures, diabetes, or sleep disorders, and any conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely.
The medical exam costs between $50 and $150 depending on the provider. You can use any licensed Illinois physician; you do not have to use a state-designated clinic. Once the exam is complete, the doctor will sign a Medical Examination Report form, which you will bring to the Secretary of State office when you submit your process.
Illinois also requires a background check that includes fingerprinting. You will be fingerprinted at the Secretary of State office or at an authorized fingerprinting vendor. The state checks for felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, and sex offender registry status. If you have a felony conviction, you may still be able to obtain a chauffeur license depending on the crime and how long ago it occurred — contact the Secretary of State directly to ask about your specific situation.
Written Knowledge Test and Driving Skills Test
You must pass a written knowledge test that covers passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, traffic laws, and your responsibilities as a chauffeur. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Secretary of State website. The manual includes a section specifically on chauffeur responsibilities and passenger safety rules.
After you pass the written test, you must pass a driving skills test. This is a behind-the-wheel examination where a state examiner evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and handle passenger-related situations. The test includes basic driving maneuvers, parking, lane changes, and responses to traffic scenarios. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. The examiner will check that your vehicle meets safety standards before the test begins.
Both tests are administered at Secretary of State Driver Services facilities. You must schedule appointments in advance; you cannot walk in and test the same day. Testing availability varies by location, and some offices have longer wait times than others. Plan for at least two to four weeks between when you schedule and when you can test, depending on your local office.
Step-by-Step process Process
| Step | What You Do | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get a medical exam | Schedule with any Illinois-licensed physician and complete the Medical Examination Report form. | 1–2 weeks |
| 2. Gather documents | Collect your valid Illinois driver license, proof of residence, and the signed medical form. | Same day |
| 3. Visit Secretary of State office | Submit your process, pay fees, get fingerprinted, and schedule your written and driving tests. | 1 visit |
| 4. Study and take written test | Study the Illinois Driver's Manual, then take the 50-question knowledge test at your scheduled appointment. | 2–4 weeks |
| 5. Take driving skills test | Bring a safe, registered, insured vehicle and demonstrate safe driving with a state examiner. | 1–2 weeks after written test |
| 6. Receive license | Once both tests pass, your chauffeur endorsement is added to your license or a new license is issued. | 1–2 weeks |
The entire process from start to finish typically takes four to eight weeks. The longest delays usually occur when scheduling the driving skills test, as some offices have a backlog of several weeks. Starting early is important if you have a job offer with a start date.
Fees and What to Bring to the Secretary of State
The chauffeur license fee is approximately $50 to $60 for the license itself. The written test costs around $10 to $15, and the driving skills test costs around $20 to $25. Your medical exam will cost $50 to $150 depending on the provider. Total out-of-pocket cost is typically $150 to $200, though this varies.
Bring the following documents to the Secretary of State office: your valid Illinois driver license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), your completed process for Chauffeur License form (available on the Secretary of State website), and your signed Medical Examination Report from your physician. Bring cash or a debit card for fees; not all offices accept credit cards.
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly — bring copies where possible. The Secretary of State will not return your medical exam form, so keep a copy for your records before you submit it.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not waiting the full one year after obtaining your Illinois driver license. If your license is dated less than one year ago, your process will be rejected. Check your license issue date before you start the process.
Another frequent error is scheduling the medical exam too far in advance. Medical exams are typically valid for 30 days. If you schedule your exam, then wait six weeks to submit your process, the exam may expire and you will need a new one. Schedule your medical exam about one week before you plan to visit the Secretary of State office.
Drivers often fail the written test because they do not study the chauffeur-specific sections of the manual. The test is not just about general traffic laws — it includes questions about passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, and professional conduct. Spend extra time on the chauffeur section of the Illinois Driver's Manual.
Finally, some applicants bring a vehicle to the driving skills test that does not meet safety standards — broken windshield wipers, worn tires, or non-functioning lights. The examiner will refuse to test you if the vehicle is unsafe. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before your test appointment, including brakes, lights, wipers, mirrors, and tire tread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a chauffeur license if I have a DUI on my record?
A DUI conviction within the past three years will disqualify you. If your DUI is older than three years, you may still be denied depending on the circumstances and the Secretary of State's review. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State directly with your specific situation before you explore.
Do I need a commercial driver license (CDL) to drive for Uber or Lyft?
No. You need a chauffeur endorsement, not a CDL. A CDL is required only for vehicles over a certain weight or for transporting more than 15 passengers. Rideshare and taxi driving require the chauffeur endorsement only.
What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test. There is typically a waiting period of a few days before you can retake the written test, and you will pay the test fee again. You can usually retake the driving test within a few weeks of your first attempt.
How long is a chauffeur license valid?
A chauffeur endorsement is valid for the same period as your underlying driver license — typically four years in Illinois. You will renew it when you renew your regular license. You do not need to retake the tests at renewal unless the Secretary of State requires it due to a medical condition or violation.
Can I explore for a chauffeur license online?
No. You must explore in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services office. You cannot complete the process, fingerprinting, or testing remotely.