What you need to do to get an Illinois license
To switch to an Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, pass a vision test, and pay the license fee. If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you do not need to take the written or driving test — Illinois recognizes your existing license as proof you can drive. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility. Your new Illinois license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using your out-of-state license until the Illinois license arrives, as long as your out-of-state license remains valid.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person; you cannot renew or switch online.
- Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, a document proving your Illinois address, and a document showing your Social Security number.
- You will pay a fee that varies by license type and how long you want it to last — typically $30 to $50 for a standard license valid four years.
- You do not retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will pass a vision screening at the facility.
- Your new license arrives by mail; you can continue driving with your old license until it arrives.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. This serves as your proof of identity and your proof that you are licensed to drive. If your license has expired within the last year, call the Secretary of State to confirm whether it will still be accepted; policies vary slightly by how recently it expired.
Bring one document proving your Illinois address. The Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your Illinois address also works. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be an official document from a utility, financial institution, or government body.
Bring one document showing your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself works. So do a W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed.
If your name has changed
If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The Secretary of State will update your name on the new Illinois license at no extra cost.
If you do not have the original document, a certified copy from the county clerk's office or the court that issued it is acceptable. Some Secretary of State facilities can process name changes on the spot; others may ask you to mail the document separately. Call ahead to ask whether your local facility handles this during the same visit.
Where to go and how to schedule
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Illinois has facilities in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your ZIP code. Some facilities are in state office buildings, others in shopping centers or standalone locations.
You do not need an appointment at most facilities — you can walk in during business hours. However, some busy locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the facility's page on the Secretary of State website to see whether appointments are available or recommended. Walk-in hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with some locations open Saturday mornings.
Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while waiting. The vision test happens at the facility, so you do not need to bring glasses or contacts unless you wear them while driving.
The vision test and what happens at the facility
At the facility, you will read letters or numbers on a screen from a set distance — this is the vision test. You must see well enough to read a standard license plate from 40 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them during the test. If you fail, you can retake it when ready. If you fail twice, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report back to the Secretary of State before you can get your license.
After the vision test, a staff member will take your photograph and fingerprints. You will review the information on your new license on a screen and confirm it is correct. This is your chance to catch any spelling errors in your name or address. Once you confirm, the license is printed and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
License types and fees in Illinois
Illinois offers a standard driver's license, a Real ID-compliant license, and a REAL ID-compliant license with a star. The standard license costs less but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. The Real ID license costs more but meets federal requirements and is valid for the same purposes as a passport for domestic travel.
A standard four-year license costs around $30. A Real ID four-year license costs around $50. You can also choose an eight-year license, which costs roughly double. Prices vary slightly depending on your age and whether you are renewing or switching from out of state. Ask the staff member which type you need based on your plans — if you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, Real ID is the better choice.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you are unable to visit a Secretary of State facility, you have limited options. You cannot switch to an Illinois license by mail or online. However, if you are temporarily out of state due to military service, you may be able to request a mail-in process — contact the Secretary of State directly to ask about military exceptions.
If you are disabled and cannot travel to a facility, some locations offer accommodations like accessible parking, wheelchair access, and priority seating. Call your local facility ahead of time to discuss what you need. The Secretary of State may also be able to arrange for a staff member to information you during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my out-of-state license after I get an Illinois license?
No. Once you are a resident of Illinois and obtain an Illinois license, you must surrender your out-of-state license to the Secretary of State. You cannot hold valid licenses from two states at the same time. The staff member will take your old license when you complete the switch.
What if my out-of-state license is expired?
An expired license usually cannot be used to switch to an Illinois license. However, if it expired very recently — within the last few months — some Secretary of State facilities may accept it. Call your local facility and describe when it expired. If it is too old, you may need to renew it in your home state first, then switch to Illinois.
Do I need to take a written test or road test for an Illinois license?
No, not if your out-of-state license is currently valid. Illinois trusts that your home state already tested you. You only take the vision test at the facility. If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you will need to take both tests.
How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?
Your plastic Illinois license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the facility that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while you wait. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.
What if I move to a different address in Illinois after I get my license?
You must update your address with the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving. You can do this online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Updating your address online is the fastest option and costs nothing.