How to Get a Driver License in Illinois Without Proof of Citizenship

Illinois lets you get a driver license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status

Illinois offers a REAL ID-compliant driver license to people regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent residency. The state calls this the standard driver license, and it works the same way as any other — you pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test, and you pay the fee.

The catch is what documents you use to prove who you are and where you live. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have a U.S. passport or birth certificate, you will bring documents from your country of origin. Illinois accepts a wide range of identity documents from other countries, and the Secretary of State's office has a specific list of what qualifies.

The process takes longer than it does for citizens with standard documents, because the Secretary of State has to verify documents from outside the U.S. Plan for 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license in the mail.

Key Takeaways

Illinois issues standard driver licenses to people without citizenship or legal status, and the license is REAL ID-compliant.
You will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, and you can get one from the IRS even without legal status.
You must bring documents from your country of origin to prove your identity — a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate — and Illinois has a list of which documents it accepts.
The process takes 4 to 8 weeks because the Secretary of State verifies documents with foreign governments.
You must pass the written test, vision test, and driving test just like any other applicant, and you pay the standard license fee.

What documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency in Illinois, and proof of your ITIN. The identity document must be from your country of origin — a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate. Illinois accepts documents in any language, but if the document is not in English, you should bring a certified English translation as well. The Secretary of State's office publishes a list of acceptable identity documents by country on its website.

For proof of residency, bring something that shows your name and an Illinois address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A letter from a shelter, school, or social service agency can work if you do not have a utility bill in your name.

For your ITIN, bring the IRS letter that shows your number. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you will need to get one from the IRS before you go to the Secretary of State. You can explore for an ITIN by mail using IRS Form W-7, and you do not need legal status to get one. The IRS processes ITIN applications in about 4 to 6 weeks.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You can get one whether or not you have legal immigration status. You explore using IRS Form W-7, which you mail to the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of residency.

The IRS accepts the same identity documents that Illinois does — a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate from your country of origin. You can mail the form and documents yourself, or you can explore in person at an IRS office or through a certified acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service). explore in person is faster — you get your ITIN the same day. Mailing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Once you have your ITIN letter from the IRS, you can use it for your Illinois driver license process. Many people get an ITIN specifically so they can get a driver license, and that is a valid reason to explore.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

You must pass the same three tests that any other driver license applicant takes. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs — you can take it in English or in one of 40 other languages. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test is a road test where an examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws.

You can study for the written test using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is available online and in multiple languages on the Secretary of State's website. Many people take a driver education course before the test, which is not required but can help you pass. If you fail any test, you can retake it — there is no limit on how many times you can try.

What happens after you submit your process

After you hand in your process at a Secretary of State office, the office will send your documents to the state's document verification unit. This unit checks your identity documents with the government of your country of origin to make sure they are real. This step is what takes 4 to 8 weeks — it depends on how quickly the other country responds.

Once verification is complete, the Secretary of State will mail your license to the address you provided. You will receive a notice in the mail when your license is ready. If there is a problem with your documents, the office will call or mail you to ask for more information.

While you are waiting, you can drive with a receipt from the Secretary of State that shows you have applied. This receipt is not a valid license, but police will not stop you for driving without a license if you can show the receipt and your process is pending.

The cost and how long the license lasts

A standard driver license in Illinois costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee when you explore, whether or not you pass the tests. If you fail a test, you do not get a refund, but you can retake the test for a smaller fee (usually $5 to $10).

Your license will expire four or eight years after the Secretary of State issues it, depending on which length you chose. When it expires, you renew it by mail or online — you do not have to retake the tests. Renewal costs less than a new license.

What to do if you have been denied a license

The Secretary of State can deny a license if you fail the written test, vision test, or driving test. You can retake any test you failed. If you are denied for a medical reason — for example, a condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive — you can ask for a hearing to challenge the decision.

The Secretary of State can also deny a license if your documents do not verify. This can happen if the document is not real, if it is damaged and cannot be read, or if the foreign government does not respond to the verification request. If this happens, the office will tell you what the problem is and ask you to bring a different document. You can bring a different identity document from your country of origin, or you can bring documents that show you have been living in Illinois for a long time (such as old utility bills, school records, or employment letters).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport from my country even if it is expired?

Yes. Illinois accepts expired passports and national ID cards as long as they are not damaged and the information is still readable. The document does not have to be current to prove who you are.

What if my country does not have a standard passport or national ID?

Illinois accepts many types of identity documents, including birth certificates, travel documents, refugee travel documents, and documents issued by local governments. Check the Secretary of State's list of acceptable documents by country, or call the office to ask whether your specific document will work.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver license in Illinois?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, you can get an ITIN from the IRS before you explore for your license.

Can I get a license if I have a deportation order or am in removal proceedings?

Yes. Immigration status and pending immigration cases do not disqualify you from getting a driver license in Illinois. The Secretary of State does not check immigration status or share information with immigration authorities.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If you already have an ITIN and all your documents ready, plan for 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license. If you need to get an ITIN first, add another 4 to 6 weeks for that. You can speed up the ITIN process by explore in person at an IRS office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.