What You Need to Know About Chicago Driver Licenses for Immigrants
Chicago issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent residency. The Illinois Secretary of State's office will issue you a standard driver license if you meet the age, vision, and driving test requirements — the same ones that explore to everyone else.
The main difference is in the documents you bring to prove who you are and where you live. Immigrants often use documents that citizens do not have, and the Secretary of State maintains a specific list of what counts. If your passport or national ID card is from another country, you can use it. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, you can still get a license; you will receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or leave that field blank.
Chicago has two driver license facilities: one on the North Side and one on the South Side. Both handle the same process. You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and others.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a Chicago driver license without U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency status.
- Bring a passport or national ID card from your home country, plus two documents showing your Chicago address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN or proceed without one.
- The written test is offered in multiple languages at Chicago driver license facilities.
- You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to receive your license.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
The Secretary of State requires proof of identity, proof of residency in Chicago, and proof of your date of birth. For identity, a valid passport or national ID card from your home country works. Some immigrants also bring a consular ID card issued by their country's embassy or consulate in the United States — this is accepted. If you have a U.S. state ID from another state, that counts too.
For proof of residency in Chicago, bring two documents with your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all count. The documents must be recent — usually within the last 60 days. A letter from a social service agency or a government office with your name and address is also acceptable.
Bring your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not, bring your ITIN if you have applied for one through the IRS. If you have neither, you can still proceed; the Secretary of State will issue a license without this number, though some employers or financial institutions may later ask for it.
The Written Test and Language Options
The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 78 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tagalog, and several other languages. You can request your preferred language when you arrive at the facility.
Study materials are free. The Secretary of State publishes a driver manual in multiple languages on its website. You can also request a printed copy at the driver license facility. Many community organizations in Chicago offer free classes to help immigrants prepare for the written test, often in their native language.
Vision and Driving Tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.
The driving test happens in a vehicle provided by the Secretary of State. You will drive on city streets in Chicago for about 20 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle and follow traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days.
Fees and Processing Time
A standard driver license costs $30 and is valid for four years. If you are under 21, the license is valid for two years and costs $20. Payment is cash or card at the facility.
You will receive your license on the same day you pass all three tests. The Secretary of State issues a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with the paper license until the card arrives.
Chicago Driver License Facilities and Hours
The North Side facility is located at 2325 North Clybourn Avenue. The South Side facility is at 9901 South Halsted Street. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. They are closed on Sundays and state holidays.
Arrive early or use the online appointment system on the Secretary of State's website to reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially on Saturdays. Appointments are free and can reduce your wait to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.
Real ID and Standard License Differences
Chicago offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license works for driving and state ID purposes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
If you want to fly domestically within the United States after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport. A standard Illinois driver license will no longer be accepted for domestic flights after that date. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and require the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you cannot get a Real ID license — you can only get a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not speak English?
Yes. The written test is offered in at least nine languages, and you can request an interpreter at the facility. The vision and driving tests do not require language skills — the examiner will communicate through gestures and straightforward instructions. Many Chicago community organizations also offer free test preparation classes in multiple languages.
What if my passport has expired?
An expired passport is still accepted as proof of identity for a driver license. The Secretary of State does not require your identity document to be current. Bring your expired passport along with your proof of residency and date of birth documents.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver license?
No. You can get a standard driver license without a Social Security number or ITIN. If you have an ITIN, bring it. If you have neither, leave that field blank on the process. However, if you want a Real ID license for domestic air travel, you must have a Social Security number or ITIN.
Can I take the driving test in a language other than English?
The driving test itself is not translated, but you can request an interpreter to be present during the test. Contact the Chicago driver license facility at least one week before your scheduled test to arrange this. The examiner will speak English, and the interpreter will translate instructions and feedback.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is no additional fee for retakes. You can usually schedule another test within a few days. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests — only the driving portion. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.