Illinois lets you get a driver's license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status
Illinois offers a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to people regardless of immigration status. This is called an HB 535 license, named after the 2013 law that created it. You do not need a Social Security number, a green card, or proof that you entered the country legally. You do need to prove who you are, where you live, and that you can drive safely.
The license looks and works like any other Illinois driver's license. You can use it to drive, but not to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — those require a REAL ID-compliant document that proves citizenship or lawful permanent residency. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or passport card from your home country instead.
The process is the same as for any driver's license: you pass a written test, a road test, and a vision screening. The main difference is what documents you bring to prove your identity and residence.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois issues HB 535 driver's licenses to people without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.
- You will need an unexpired passport or consular ID from your home country, plus two documents showing your current Illinois address.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test with an examiner.
- An HB 535 license lets you drive legally in Illinois and all other states, but cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building entry.
- The fee is the same as a standard Illinois driver's license and does not change based on immigration status.
What documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring an unexpired passport from your home country, or a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in the United States. The consular ID must show your photo, date of birth, and an expiration date. If your passport or consular ID has expired, you cannot use it — you will need to renew it through your country's embassy or consulate before you explore for the license.
You also need two documents proving your current address in Illinois. These can include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a pay stub, or a property tax bill. Both documents must show your name and your current street address. A PO box does not count as a residence address. If documents are in a different name (for example, a spouse's name on a utility bill), bring a marriage certificate or other proof that you live at that address.
Bring your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have one and do not plan to get one, you can still get a license — the Secretary of State will assign you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for licensing purposes. You do not need to explore for an ITIN separately; the Secretary of State handles this during your appointment.
The written test and vision screening
Before you take the road test, you must pass a written knowledge test about Illinois traffic laws and safe driving. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Ask the examiner which languages are available at your location.
You will also have a vision screening at the Secretary of State office. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be able to get a license with restrictions (for example, "must wear corrective lenses while driving"), or you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a report before you can proceed.
You do not need to study a specific book or take a class, but the Secretary of State website has a free study guide in multiple languages. Many libraries also have printed copies. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies.
The road test and what happens after you pass
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test with a state examiner. The examiner will sit in the car with you and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You will be asked to do things like turn, park, stop at a stop sign, and merge into traffic. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving — small mistakes are normal, but serious mistakes (like running a red light or hitting something) will result in a failing score.
You must bring a car that is registered and insured in Illinois, and the car must pass a safety inspection. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before the test starts. If anything is broken, the test will be rescheduled.
If you pass the road test, you will get a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving right away.
How to schedule your appointment at the Secretary of State
You must schedule an appointment online through the Illinois Secretary of State website (cyberdriveillinois.com). Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Choose the option for a new driver's license, select a location near you, and pick a date and time that works for you. Appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as far in advance as you can.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes for the written test and vision screening. The road test is scheduled separately and happens on a different day.
If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online at least 24 hours before so someone else can use that slot. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another one.
What an HB 535 license can and cannot do
An HB 535 driver's license is valid for driving in all 50 states. Police will recognize it as a legal license, and you can use it to rent a car, buy car insurance, or prove your identity to an employer. It is not marked differently from any other Illinois driver's license — no one can tell by looking at it that it was issued under HB 535.
However, you cannot use an HB 535 license for domestic air travel. If you want to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or passport card from your home country. You also cannot use it to enter a federal building that requires REAL ID (like some courthouses or federal offices), though most everyday places do not have this requirement.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license instead, you would need to show proof of lawful permanent residency or citizenship — an HB 535 license is the option for people who cannot provide that.
Renewing your HB 535 license
An HB 535 driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. When it is about to expire, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to take the written or road test again — you just pay the renewal fee and submit new address documents if you have moved.
If you renew in person, you will need to bring your expired license and two documents showing your current address, just like when you first got your license. Your passport or consular ID does not need to be renewed unless it has expired — if it has, you will need to renew it before you renew your driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an HB 535 license if I am on a visa?
Yes. The law does not distinguish between different immigration statuses. As long as you have an unexpired passport or consular ID and can prove your Illinois address, you can get a license. Your visa status does not affect your ability to drive legally in Illinois.
What if my passport is expired?
You cannot use an expired passport to get a driver's license. You will need to renew your passport through your country's embassy or consulate before you explore. This is a separate process and can take several weeks or months depending on your country and how you explore.
Do I need a Social Security number to get an HB 535 license?
No. If you do not have a Social Security number, the Secretary of State will assign you an ITIN for licensing purposes. You do not need to explore for an ITIN yourself — it happens automatically during your appointment. If you have a Social Security number, bring it, but it is not required.
Can I use an HB 535 license to fly on an airplane?
No, not for domestic flights within the United States. You will need a valid passport or passport card from your home country. For international flights, you will need a passport regardless of what type of driver's license you have.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your Illinois HB 535 license remains valid for driving in any state until it expires. If you move to another state and want to get a driver's license there, each state has its own rules about what documents are required. Some states accept HB 535 licenses as proof of identity when you explore for a new license; others do not. Contact the DMV in your new state to find out what they require.