What you need to get a Chicago driver's license
To get a driver's license in Chicago, you will visit a Secretary of State facility in the city, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. Illinois issues one type of standard driver's license for most adults, plus a REAL ID version that meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You do not have to choose REAL ID, but if you want to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID driver's license, a passport, or a military ID.
The process takes multiple visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test and pick up your license. Some people complete both on the same day if they pass the written test and a road test slot opens when ready, but this is not common.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in Chicago in person to explore, bring a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate, and show proof you live in Illinois.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Illinois traffic laws; you can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual or take a paid online course that may waive the written test.
- The driving test is a 20-minute evaluation of basic vehicle control and safe driving; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection.
- A standard Illinois driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years; a REAL ID license costs $32 and is required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
Where to go in Chicago
Chicago has three Secretary of State driver services facilities: the Loop office at 100 W. Randolph Street, the North Side office at 9901 W. Foster Avenue, and the South Side office at 9 E. 63rd Street. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Loop office typically has the longest waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.
Before you go, check the Secretary of State website to see current wait times at each location. You can also call ahead to ask which office has the shortest wait, though staff cannot reserve your spot. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit; if you are missing anything, you will have to return another day.
Documents you must bring
You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
Proof of identity must be a Real ID-compliant document. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or signature), you cannot use it.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return works if it shows your full number.
Proof of residency must show your current Chicago address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government letter (such as a tax notice or court document) dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a business or nonprofit does not count. If you recently moved, bring a document from your old address plus a new one; the staff will understand.
Proof of lawful presence is required by federal law. U.S. citizens can show a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Non-citizens must show a valid visa, a green card, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or another USCIS document. If you do not have proof of lawful presence, you can get a state ID card instead of a driver's license, but you cannot drive legally in Illinois.
The written test and study materials
The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and Illinois traffic laws. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the staff which languages are available at your location.
You can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual, which the Secretary of State publishes online and in print. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take a paid online driver education course through a private vendor; if you complete the course, you may not have to take the written test at the facility. Check the Secretary of State website for approved course providers and their costs, which typically range from $20 to $50.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the process fee again each time you test.
The driving test and vehicle requirements
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and drive safely. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as backing up, parking, and turning. You do not need to parallel park in Chicago, though you may be asked to back into a space.
Your vehicle must be registered in Illinois, have current insurance, and pass a safety inspection. The safety inspection checks that your lights, wipers, horn, brakes, and tires work. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day and will have to return with a different vehicle or after repairs.
You can take the test in an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. If you pass in an automatic, your license will restrict you to automatic vehicles only. If you pass in a manual, you can drive either. Some people choose to test in a manual for this reason, even if they normally drive an automatic.
Fees and how long it takes
A standard Illinois driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years. A REAL ID driver's license costs $32 and is also valid for four years. You pay the fee when you explore, before you take the written test.
After you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary paper permit that is valid for 30 days. You can drive with this permit while you wait for your road test appointment. The Secretary of State schedules your road test, and the wait is typically two to eight weeks depending on how busy the facility is. You will receive a letter in the mail with your test date and time.
Once you pass the road test, you will receive your physical license the same day. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the process fee again and wait for another appointment.
REAL ID and federal travel requirements
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) to board a domestic flight in the United States. You will also need one to enter a federal building or a military base.
The REAL ID process process is the same as a standard license, except you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy). The fee is $2 more than a standard license. If you already have a standard Illinois driver's license, you can renew it as a REAL ID the next time your license expires, or you can visit a Secretary of State facility and upgrade early.
You do not have to get a REAL ID if you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings. You can continue to use a standard driver's license for driving and for state ID purposes.
If you are under 18
Drivers under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education course before they can get a permit. The course is usually offered through high schools or private driving schools and covers classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Once you finish the course, you will receive a certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State facility.
You will then receive a Instruction Permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws.
Once you pass the driving test, you will receive a Probationary License valid until age 18. This license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency). At age 18, you can renew to a standard adult license without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to renew your driver's license in Illinois. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license has not expired yet. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license.
What if I lost my birth certificate or passport?
You can order a certified birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health or from the county where you were born. A U.S. passport can be replaced through the U.S. State Department. Both take time, so order as soon as you know you need a license. In the meantime, you cannot explore.
Can I take the driving test in a borrowed car?
Yes, as long as the car is registered in Illinois, has current insurance, and passes the safety inspection. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Bring the registration and proof of insurance with you.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test, but you will have to pay the process fee again and wait for another appointment. Your temporary permit remains valid for 30 days, so you can continue to drive while you wait. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need a Chicago address to get a Chicago driver's license?
No. You need an Illinois address, but it does not have to be in Chicago. If you live in the suburbs or another Illinois city, you can visit any Secretary of State facility in the state. However, you must show proof that you live in Illinois.