What Illinois requires from immigrants to get a driver's license
Illinois issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state accepts a valid passport or consular ID card as proof of identity, and you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number if you do not have one.
The core requirements are the same as for any Illinois driver: proof of identity, proof of residency in Illinois, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, and a passing written test plus driving test. The difference is which documents Illinois will accept from you to prove each one.
Illinois does not require proof of legal immigration status to issue a license. The state's position is that a driver's license is a safety and identification document, not an immigration document. This means you can hold a license while your immigration case is pending, while you are on a visa, or while you are undocumented.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois accepts a valid passport or consular ID card as proof of identity; you do not need a U.S. birth certificate or green card.
- You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, and you can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work.
- Proof of Illinois residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name; it must be dated within the last 30 days.
- You must pass the written test (in English or one of 16 other languages) and the road test; both are offered at Secretary of State facilities statewide.
- The license itself does not show immigration status and is valid for four or eight years depending on your age.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring originals or certified copies of everything on this list. The Secretary of State will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency.
| Document Type | What Illinois Accepts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, consular ID card, or national ID from your country of origin | Must not be expired. Consular ID cards must be issued by your country's consulate in the U.S. |
| Proof of Social Security Number or ITIN | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or IRS letter showing your ITIN | If you do not have a Social Security number, you must have an ITIN. You can get one from the IRS by filing Form W-7. |
| Proof of Illinois Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail | Must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and Illinois address. |
| Proof of Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Required only if your current name differs from your identity document. |
If your identity document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. You can get a certified translation from a translator listed on the Secretary of State website, or from your consulate.
Do not bring your passport or consular ID to the road test. Bring only the temporary permit the Secretary of State gives you after you pass the written test.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You can get an ITIN even if you are not authorized to work in the United States. Illinois accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for a driver's license.
To get an ITIN, file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office. If you file by mail, send the form with a certified copy of your passport or consular ID and proof of residency. The IRS typically processes Form W-7 within two to three weeks if you file by mail, or the same day if you file in person at an IRS office.
You do not need to have filed taxes before to get an ITIN. You can file Form W-7 on its own. However, many people file Form W-7 together with a tax return (Form 1040) for the year they are explore. If you do that, the IRS will issue your ITIN and process your return at the same time.
Once you have your ITIN, bring the IRS letter that shows your number to the Secretary of State. The letter is your proof of ITIN. If you have already filed taxes, you can also bring a copy of your tax return showing your ITIN.
Proof of residency and what documents work
Illinois requires proof that you have lived in the state for at least one day. Any document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and an Illinois address will work. The document does not have to be in your name alone — a utility bill or lease in a spouse's or parent's name is acceptable as long as it shows your address.
Documents that work include: utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), cell phone bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, government mail from any agency, and pay stubs from an Illinois employer. If you are homeless or do not have access to these documents, you can bring a notarized letter from someone who lives in Illinois confirming that you live at their address.
The document must show a street address, not a P.O. box. If you live with family or friends and your name is not on any utility bill or lease, ask the person whose name is on the bill to bring it with you, or bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there and the full address.
The written test and road test in your language
Illinois offers the written test in English and 16 other languages: Spanish, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Lithuanian, Bosnian, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Hmong, Thai, Laotian, and Japanese. You choose your language when you schedule your appointment at the Secretary of State.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 35 questions correctly to pass. You can take the test up to three times in one day if you fail. If you fail three times, you must wait one day before you can test again.
The road test is conducted in English by the examiner, but you can bring an interpreter at no cost. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely. You can take the road test up to three times before you must wait one day.
Both tests are offered at Secretary of State Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can schedule online, by phone at 217-782-6900, or in person at any facility. Wait times vary by location; some facilities have same-day appointments, while others may have a wait of several weeks.
Timeline and fees for getting your license
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from your first visit to the Secretary of State to receiving your license in the mail. Here is the timeline:
- Day 1: Visit a Secretary of State facility with all required documents. Pay the process fee and take the written test. If you pass, you receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days.
- Days 2–30: Schedule and take your road test at any Secretary of State facility. You can test as soon as the next day or wait up to 30 days.
- After road test: If you pass, the Secretary of State mails your license to the address you provided. Mailing takes 5 to 10 business days.
Fees are: $20 for a written test, $20 for a road test, and $20 for the license itself. If you fail the written test, you pay $20 each time you retake it. If you fail the road test, you pay $20 each time you retake it. Total cost if you pass both on the first try is $60.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older. Renewal costs $20 and can be done online, by mail, or in person.
What happens if your passport or consular ID expires
Your driver's license remains valid even if your passport or consular ID expires. The license is a separate document and does not depend on your identity document staying current. However, if you need to renew your license before it expires, you will need to bring a valid identity document at that time.
If your passport or consular ID has expired and you need to renew your license, renew your identity document first. Contact your country's consulate in Chicago or your nearest consulate office to renew your passport or consular ID. This usually takes two to four weeks.
If your license expires and your identity document is expired, you can still renew by mail or online if you are renewing a standard license (not upgrading to a Real ID). You will not need to show your identity document in person. However, if you are renewing to a Real ID or if you need to visit a Secretary of State facility for any reason, bring a valid identity document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a visa or work permit as proof of identity?
No. Illinois requires a passport, consular ID card, or national ID from your country of origin. A visa, work permit, or green card is not accepted as your primary identity document, though you can bring these as supporting documents if you wish.
What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?
You must get one before you can explore for a driver's license. Contact your country's consulate in the United States to request a passport or consular ID. Processing times vary by country, but most take two to six weeks. Some consulates offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Do I need to show my immigration status or visa to get a license?
No. Illinois does not ask about immigration status and does not require proof of legal status. You do not need to show a visa, work permit, or any immigration document. The Secretary of State only needs proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN.
Can I use a foreign driver's license instead of taking the test?
No. Illinois requires all new drivers to pass the written and road tests, regardless of whether you hold a valid license from another country. However, if you already hold an Illinois license and are renewing it, you do not need to retake the tests.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it when ready at the same facility if space is available, or schedule another appointment. You pay $20 each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. If you fail multiple times, consider taking a driving course; some instructors offer lessons specifically for people preparing for the Illinois road test.