What you need to get a Chicago driver's license

Illinois issues driver's licenses through the Secretary of State's office, not through the city of Chicago. You'll explore at a Driver Services facility, which in Chicago means one of two locations: the Loop facility downtown or the North Avenue facility on the North Side. Both handle the same process and accept the same documents.

To get your first Illinois driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process. The identity document must be a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. For residency, Illinois accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days. Your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return counts as proof of your number.

You'll also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, an eye exam at the facility, and a driving test with an examiner. The written test is offered in multiple languages. If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may skip the written and driving tests, though you'll still need the documents above.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois driver's licenses are issued by the Secretary of State at Driver Services facilities, with two locations serving Chicago residents.
  • You need four types of documents: proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, eye exam, and driving test; people moving from another state may skip the written and driving tests if their license is valid.
  • The written test is available in multiple languages, and you can schedule your driving test appointment online or at the facility.
  • Your license costs vary by type and age, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing all tests while your plastic card arrives by mail.

Chicago Driver Services locations and hours

The Loop facility is located at 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 200, in downtown Chicago. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The North Avenue facility is at 2500 North Clark Street. It keeps the same hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Both facilities close on Sundays and state holidays.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test or eye exam, but you should arrive early because wait times vary. For the driving test, you can schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State's website or book one in person at either facility. Scheduling online often has shorter wait times than walk-in appointments.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, the Secretary of State does not offer evening or Sunday appointments at Chicago locations. However, you can visit a facility in a nearby suburb if their hours work better for your schedule — the process and tests are the same statewide.

Documents you'll bring and how to organize them

Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work; you need the certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you're using a passport, bring the passport itself. For Social Security proof, bring your actual card, a W-2, or a tax return showing your full number.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill works well because it shows your name and current address. If you rent and don't have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by both you and your landlord counts. Bank statements, mortgage statements, and insurance bills also work. A letter from your landlord on their letterhead with your name and address does not meet the requirement — it must be an official document from a company or government agency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card — bring the card itself or an official document like a W-2 or tax return. The facility will not accept a photo of your card on your phone.

The written test, eye exam, and driving test

The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 questions and must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is available in English, Spanish, Polish, and several other languages. You can request a specific language when you arrive at the facility. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

The eye exam at the facility checks your vision and color blindness. You do not need to bring glasses or contacts, but wear them if you normally do — your license will note whether correction is required. If you fail the eye exam, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day and must return after addressing the vision issue, such as getting new glasses.

The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and evaluates your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking and three-point turns. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on facility availability.

License types and costs in Illinois

Illinois offers several license types. A standard driver's license lets you operate a regular passenger vehicle. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle and requires a separate test. You can add the motorcycle endorsement to a standard license or hold it alone.

A standard driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years if you're under 69 years old. If you're 69 or older, your license is valid for two years and costs $20. A CDL costs $60 and is valid for four years. A motorcycle endorsement adds $10 to the cost of your license. You pay at the facility when you pass all tests, and payment is cash or card.

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing your tests. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card. If your card doesn't arrive within a month, contact the Secretary of State's office to request a replacement.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

A standard Illinois driver's license is not a REAL ID. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States.

To get a REAL ID-compliant license in Illinois, you bring the same documents as a standard license, but you must also bring proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. The cost is $42 instead of $30, and the card is valid for four years. If you're 69 or older, a REAL ID license costs $32 and is valid for two years.

You can upgrade a standard license to REAL ID at any Driver Services facility without retaking tests. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship, and the extra fee. Your new REAL ID card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Illinois license is expiring, you can renew it online through the Secretary of State's website if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions. Online renewal costs $30 for a standard license and $42 for REAL ID. Your new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit a facility or retake tests.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or you want to change your address — you must visit a Driver Services facility in person. Bring your current license and proof of residency showing your new address if you're moving. The cost is the same as online renewal.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Chicago Police Department and get a case number. Then visit a Driver Services facility with your case number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $20 and arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is available in English, Spanish, Polish, Lithuanian, and several other languages. Tell the staff member at the facility which language you need when you check in. You do not need to request this in advance.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the facility is. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You keep your temporary paper license while you wait for your next appointment.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will not provide a car. If you don't own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets those requirements.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass the tests?

Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing, and that temporary license is valid for driving during the wait.

What's the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or passport to fly domestically. A REAL ID costs $12 more and requires proof of citizenship.