Chicago Driver's License Facilities and Their Hours

Illinois Secretary of State operates two full-service driver's license facilities in Chicago where you can explore for, renew, or replace a driver's license. The main facility is located at 500 South Dearborn Street in the Loop, and a second facility operates at 9901 South Kedzie Avenue on the South Side. Both locations handle all license types — standard, commercial, and motorcycle — and both issue licenses on the same day you explore.

Hours vary by location. The Dearborn Street facility is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Kedzie Avenue facility operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no Saturday service. Neither facility is open on Sundays or state holidays. Wait times are typically shorter early in the week and early in the day, though both locations can have lines of 30 minutes to two hours during peak times.

You do not need an appointment at either facility. Walk-ins are accepted during all operating hours, but you can also check current wait times online through the Secretary of State website before you go. If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago has two full-service Secretary of State facilities: one on Dearborn Street in the Loop and one on Kedzie Avenue on the South Side, both issuing licenses the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States; the specific documents depend on whether you are explore for a new license or renewing.
  • Walk-ins are welcome at both locations during posted hours, and you can check live wait times online before you visit.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may renew by mail or online if your license is not expired more than one year and you meet other renewal conditions.

Documents You Need for a New License process

A new driver's license process in Illinois requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence. You cannot explore without all four, and the Secretary of State will not accept expired documents for identity or residency proof.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, or a valid state ID from another state. A photocopy of any of these is not acceptable. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. A paystub with your full number also works.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Chicago address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. For proof of lawful presence, bring your U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Documents You Need for License Renewal

Renewing your license in person at a Chicago facility requires fewer documents than a new process. You need your current Illinois driver's license, proof of residency dated within the last 30 days, and your Social Security number (you can provide it verbally if you have your Social Security card, or bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return). You do not need to bring proof of identity or proof of lawful presence again unless your license has been expired for more than one year.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore as if it were a new process and bring all four document categories. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you can skip the residency document, but you must still bring your current license. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $30. A ten-year license costs $50. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. A motorcycle endorsement adds $20 to the cost of any license. A duplicate license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $16. All fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount on the Secretary of State website before you visit.

Both Chicago facilities accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online at the facility. If you do not have enough cash or available credit at the time of your visit, you will need to leave and return with payment before your license can be issued.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive at either facility, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify that you have brought everything required and direct you to a waiting area. You will be called when it is your turn. At that point, a Secretary of State examiner will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity and residency, take your photograph, and collect your fee.

You will then take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not take a written test or a driving test when renewing; those are only required for new applicants. After the vision test, you will be given a receipt and told when to return to pick up your license. Most licenses are ready within 15 to 30 minutes, though during very busy times it can take up to an hour. You must pick up your license the same day; it will not be mailed to you.

If you fail the vision test or if the examiner finds a problem with your documents, you will be told what to do next. Common issues include a document that does not match your stated address, a Social Security number that does not match your identity documents, or a vision problem that requires a restriction on your license. The examiner will explain your options, which may include returning with corrected documents or scheduling a follow-up appointment.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

If you do not want to visit a Chicago facility in person, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your current Illinois license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past two years, and your license is not a commercial or motorcycle license. You are may be able to access for online renewal if you meet the same conditions and your license is not more than one year expired.

To renew online, go to the Secretary of State website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by card and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. To renew by mail, read the process form from the Secretary of State website, print it, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your current license to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason people are turned away at Chicago facilities is bringing expired documents for identity or residency proof. An expired passport, an expired utility bill, or an expired lease will not be accepted. Check all your documents before you leave home and bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If you are unsure whether a document is acceptable, call the facility ahead of time rather than making a wasted trip.

A second common mistake is not bringing proof of your Social Security number. Many people assume they can just say their number out loud, but the Secretary of State requires a document showing it. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a recent tax return or W-2 instead. A third mistake is bringing a document with an address that does not match your stated current address. If you have moved recently and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring a second document dated after your move to prove your current address.

A fourth mistake is not bringing enough money or available credit to pay the fee. Bring cash or a card with available balance. A fifth mistake is arriving without your current license when renewing. Even if you have not lost it, bring it with you — the examiner needs to see it to process your renewal. Finally, do not assume you can renew by mail or online if your license is expired. Check the Secretary of State website to confirm your may be able to access before you attempt to renew that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license at a Secretary of State facility outside Chicago?

Yes. Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most major cities and many smaller towns. If you live in the suburbs or can reach a facility closer to you, you can explore or renew there instead. All facilities issue licenses the same day and accept the same documents. You can find a complete list of facility locations and hours on the Secretary of State website.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You must have one of the four accepted identity documents to explore for a new license. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Vital Records or the vital records office in the state where you were born. A certified copy typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive. You cannot use a photocopy or an uncertified copy.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew my license?

No. Written and driving tests are only required for new applicants. If you are renewing an existing Illinois license, you only need to pass a vision test. If you are explore for a new license after moving to Illinois from another state, you will need to take both tests.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will update your name on your new license. If you do not bring proof of the name change, your license will be issued under your current legal name, but the examiner may ask you to return with the document before processing your process.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Secretary of State to resolve the suspension or revocation, which may require paying a reinstatement fee, completing a hearing, or meeting other conditions. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license. Call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what you need to do.