How to Get and Renew Your Illinois Driver's License

What You Need to Get a Driver's License in Illinois

To get a driver's license in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Illinois does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.

Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Proof of residency must show your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The vision test checks that you can see 20/40 or better with or without correction. If you fail any test, you can retake it the same day or return later.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Secretary of State facility with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a driver's license in Illinois.
The written test requires an 80 percent score, and you must also pass a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
Illinois driver's licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 69 and eight years for drivers 69 and older.
You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license and requires additional proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

How Long an Illinois Driver's License Lasts

An Illinois driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 69 years old. If you are 69 or older, your license is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must return to a Secretary of State facility and retake the written and vision tests. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can usually renew without retesting, depending on your age and the type of renewal you choose.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your Illinois driver's license expired less than one year ago and you are under 69, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a facility. To renew online, go to the Secretary of State website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes about three to four weeks. You cannot renew by mail or online if you are 69 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.

Real ID Compliance and What It Costs

A Real ID is a federal standard that makes a driver's license acceptable for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Illinois offers Real ID-compliant licenses, but they cost more than a standard license and require additional documents. A standard Illinois driver's license costs around $30 for a four-year renewal, while a Real ID license costs around $50.

To get a Real ID license, you must prove citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa. You must also provide the same proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number as you would for a standard license. If you do not have a Real ID license, you can still drive within Illinois and board flights if you show a passport or other federal ID at the airport.

Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID license or passport will be required to board domestic flights in the United States. If you plan to fly, you should get a Real ID license before that date, though you can still travel with a passport or military ID.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

An Illinois driver's license can be suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored after you meet the conditions, such as paying fines or completing a defensive driving course. A revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a new license after a waiting period, which is usually one to three years depending on the reason.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Illinois and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you receive a notice that your license has been suspended, contact the Secretary of State office that issued it to find out what you must do to restore it.

Getting a Duplicate License or Changing Your Name

If your Illinois driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at any Secretary of State facility. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a fee of around $20. A duplicate license has the same expiration date as your original license. You can also order a duplicate online through the Secretary of State website and pick it up at a facility, or have it mailed to you.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license within a reasonable time. Bring your original license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency to a Secretary of State facility. There is no fee to change your name on your license.

Driving Privileges for Minors and Graduated Licensing

Illinois has a Graduated Licensing Program for drivers under 18. The program has three stages: a Learner's Permit, a Probationary License, and a Full License. You must be at least 15 to get a Learner's Permit, 16 to get a Probationary License, and 18 to get a Full License.

With a Learner's Permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. With a Probationary License, you can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You must hold a Probationary License for at least one year before you can get a Full License.

If you are under 18 and receive a traffic ticket or are convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, your license can be suspended. The point system is stricter for young drivers than for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois driver's license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

No. If you have an unpaid traffic ticket, the Secretary of State will not renew your license. You must pay the ticket or resolve it in court before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out how to pay or appear.

What do I do if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at most Secretary of State facilities, or you can return on another day. There is no fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can take the vision and driving tests.

How much does it cost to get a new Illinois driver's license?

A four-year standard driver's license costs around $30. A Real ID license costs around $50. A duplicate license costs around $20. Fees may vary slightly by facility. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at most locations.

Can I get an Illinois driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Bring your ITIN documentation to the Secretary of State facility along with your other proof of identity and residency.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license meets federal standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes — you would need a passport or other federal ID instead. A Real ID license costs more and requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

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.