Documents and identification you must bring to the Secretary of State

To get an Illinois driver's license, you need to bring specific documents to a Secretary of State facility. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful status in the United States. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear in person.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The Secretary of State will not accept faxes or digital images. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original.

Proof of identity documents that work

You need one document from the primary list or two documents from the secondary list. Primary documents include a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you do not have a primary document, bring two secondary documents. Secondary documents include a state ID card, a military ID, a school or college ID with a photo, an employee ID with a photo, a public information card, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a vehicle registration. The documents must show your name and match the name you are using to get your license.

Proof of residency in Illinois

You need one document showing your current Illinois 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 homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or benefit statement.

The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a utility bill or lease in your name plus a document showing your old address, and explain the move to the examiner.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a benefit statement from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full Social Security number or the last four digits plus your name.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an Illinois ID card, but not a driver's license. You will need to provide a document from the Secretary of State's list of acceptable alternatives, which includes a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

You must show that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired visa stamp.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a standard Illinois driver's license. You may be able to get a Temporary Visitor Driver's License if you have a valid visa and a passport from your country. This license is valid for the duration of your visa status, up to one year.

The written test, vision test, and road test

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on Illinois traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Polish, and Chinese.

You will also take a vision test at the facility. The examiner will check that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a road test at a later date. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and watch you drive on public roads. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. The road test takes about 30 minutes.

Fees and timeline for getting your license

The fee for a driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. An Illinois driver's license valid for four years costs $20. A license valid for eight years costs $40. You pay this fee at the Secretary of State facility when you submit your documents.

After you pass all three tests, the Secretary of State will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

The entire process — from submitting documents to passing the road test — usually takes four to six weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule and pass the road test. Some Secretary of State facilities have longer wait times than others. You can check wait times online before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals of documents proving your identity, Illinois residency, Social Security number, and lawful U.S. status to a Secretary of State facility in person.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate with a raised seal, or two secondary documents such as a school ID and marriage certificate.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a road test; you must pass all three to receive your license.
  • A four-year Illinois driver's license costs $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing all tests, with your permanent license arriving by mail in two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring two secondary identity documents instead, such as a school ID, military ID, or marriage certificate. The Secretary of State accepts combinations of documents as long as they show your name and match the name on your other paperwork.

What if my address on my lease does not match my utility bill?

Bring both documents. The Secretary of State will accept them together as proof of residency as long as both show your name and current address. If the addresses differ, explain the situation to the examiner — for example, if you recently moved and one bill has not updated yet.

Do I have to take the road test if I already have a valid driver's license from another state?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you can transfer it to Illinois without taking the road test. You still need to pass the written and vision tests and bring all required documents. Bring your out-of-state license with you.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You must pass before you can move on to the road test.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The Secretary of State requires original documents or certified copies. Digital images, screenshots, and faxes are not accepted. Bring paper documents to your appointment.