What You Need to Know About Chicago Driver Licenses for Immigrants
Illinois allows you to obtain a driver license without a Social Security number, which means immigration status does not automatically disqualify you. Chicago residents follow the same process as all Illinois applicants, but you will need to bring documents that prove your identity and residency instead of the standard documents U.S. citizens typically use. The Illinois Secretary of State's office accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number, and they accept a wider range of identity documents than many other states.
The process takes place at a Driver Services facility in Chicago. You cannot renew or obtain a license online, and you cannot use a mail-in option. You must appear in person with original documents, pass a written test, pass a vision test, and have your photograph taken. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on how busy the facility is.
Key Takeaways
- You can obtain a Chicago driver license with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, regardless of immigration status.
- You must bring an original identity document (passport, consular ID, or national ID from your country of origin) plus two documents proving your Chicago address.
- The written test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and others; you can request an interpreter for the vision and road tests.
- The license costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the Driver Services facility when you pass your tests.
- You must visit a Driver Services facility in person; there is no online or mail option for first-time licenses.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Facility
You need an original identity document and proof of your Chicago address. For identity, the Secretary of State accepts a valid passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card from your country of origin, or a Trusted Traveler card. The document must not be expired, though some facilities may accept documents that expired within the last year—call ahead to confirm. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted for identity.
For proof of address, bring two original documents that show your name and a Chicago street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your address. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as a valid address.
You will also need to bring your ITIN if you have one. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still obtain a driver license, but you will need to explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you can renew your license. Bring any documents related to your immigration status if you have them, though the Secretary of State does not require you to prove legal status.
The Written Test and Language Options
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Russian, and several other languages. You choose your language when you check in at the facility.
If you need an interpreter for the vision test or the road test, you can bring a family member or friend, or you can request that the facility provide one. There is no fee for an interpreter. If you bring your own interpreter, they must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a facility employee. Tell the staff when you arrive that you will need an interpreter.
You have three chances to pass the written test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. Each attempt costs $5. Once you pass the written test, you move on to the vision test and the road test.
Vision Test and Road Test Requirements
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day. You will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate before you can return.
The road test takes place in a vehicle at the Driver Services facility. You will drive on local streets for about 10 to 15 minutes while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner is looking for safe steering, proper use of signals, correct speed, awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians, and proper stopping. You must pass the road test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment.
Chicago Driver Services Facility Locations and Hours
Chicago has multiple Driver Services facilities. The main facility is located at 2500 South California Avenue on the South Side. There is also a facility at 1500 North Elston Avenue on the North Side. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check the Secretary of State website to confirm hours before you visit, because some facilities have reduced hours or temporary closures.
Wait times are longest on Thursdays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will likely wait less time. Bring all your documents in a folder so you can move quickly through the check-in process.
Cost and License Validity
A four-year driver license costs $20. An eight-year driver license costs $30. You pay the facility after you pass both the written test and the road test. The facility accepts cash and card payments. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Your license is valid for the number of years you purchased it for, as long as you do not move out of Illinois or change your immigration status in a way that affects your residency. When your license expires, you can renew it by mail or online if you still have a valid ITIN and a valid address in Illinois.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or notarized copies of your identity document. The Secretary of State requires an original document. If your passport or consular ID is at home in another state or country, you will need to obtain it before you can visit the facility. Do not make a trip without it.
The second common mistake is bringing address documents that are too old. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be dated within the last 60 days. If your documents are older, contact your utility company or bank and request a current statement before you visit.
The third mistake is not bringing enough address documents. You need two separate documents, and they must both show your name and your Chicago street address. A single document, even if it is recent, is not enough. Plan ahead and gather both documents before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Chicago driver license if I am undocumented?
Yes. Illinois does not require you to prove legal immigration status to obtain a driver license. You need an ITIN, a valid identity document from your country of origin, and proof of a Chicago address. Your immigration status does not appear on your license.
What if my identity document is in another language?
The Secretary of State accepts identity documents in any language. If the document is not in English, bring it along with an English translation. You can have it translated by a professional translator, or you can ask a bilingual staff member at the facility to help you. There is no fee for translation information at the facility.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver Services facility?
No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours. However, some facilities allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait time. Check the Secretary of State website to see if your local facility offers reservations.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you will need to schedule another appointment at the facility. There is a fee for each road test attempt. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it. Your written test pass is valid for a certain period while you prepare for your next road test attempt.
Can I use my Chicago driver license to board a plane or cross the border?
A standard Illinois driver license is not accepted for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or crossing the U.S. border. If you need a document for travel, you will need a passport or a passport card from your country of origin. A Chicago driver license is valid for driving within Illinois and for identification at local businesses.