The Secretary of State Facility on Clark Street Is the Main Chicago Location
The primary place to get an Illinois driver's license in Chicago is the Secretary of State Driver Services facility at 69 West Washington Street, in the Loop. This is a state-run office, not a private vendor, and it handles new licenses, renewals, duplicates, and most other license transactions. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
The Washington Street location is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. It is closed Sundays and state holidays. If you arrive near closing time, staff will still take you, but you may wait longer. The office does not take appointments, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.
This facility has the equipment to take your photo, conduct your vision test, and process your payment on the spot. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address.
Key Takeaways
- The Secretary of State office at 69 West Washington Street in downtown Chicago is the main location for new licenses and most transactions, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon.
- You do not need an appointment; walk-in service is available, but wait times are shorter early in the morning or mid-week.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), Social Security card or tax return, and a completed process form (DL 440).
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If the Washington Street office is too crowded, the Cicero facility and some currency exchanges also offer limited services, though they may not handle all transaction types.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Illinois requires specific documents to issue a driver's license. Bring your birth certificate, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. A photocopy is not acceptable; the original must be presented. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization.
You also need proof of residency showing your current Chicago address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return with your name and address also works. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number. You will also need to complete form DL 440, the process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit. You can fill this out at home before you go or at the facility itself.
If you are renewing and your current license is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your age and license type. Check the Secretary of State website to see if you are may be able to access for remote renewal before making the trip.
Other Chicago-Area Locations and Alternatives
The Washington Street office is the busiest and most comprehensive, but Chicago has one other Secretary of State facility. The Cicero Driver Services office is located at 5500 West Cermak Road in Cicero, about 15 minutes west of downtown. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. This location handles many of the same transactions as Washington Street, though some complex cases may still be referred downtown.
Some currency exchanges in Chicago also offer limited driver's license services, such as renewals and duplicates, but they cannot issue new licenses or handle transactions that require a road test or vision exam. If you need a new license and are not sure whether a currency exchange can help, call ahead before going.
The Secretary of State also operates a facility in nearby Des Plaines at 9511 West Irving Park Road, which serves the northwest suburbs. If you live or work closer to that area, it may be faster than downtown Chicago, though it operates on the same schedule as the other offices.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive at the Washington Street office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the clerk will review your documents, ask you to verify your information, and have you sign your process form.
Next, you will go to the photo station, where staff will take your license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering (except for religious reasons, which require advance notice). Your photo must show your face clearly and be taken against a plain background.
After your photo, you will proceed to the vision test station. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, tell the staff; you will be tested with them on. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.
Finally, you will pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license. The fee for a new driver's license is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Payment is cash, check, or card. Your plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Timing and Wait Times
Wait times at the Washington Street office vary widely. On a typical Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you might wait 30 minutes to an hour. On Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings, waits can stretch to two or three hours. If you have flexibility, mid-week mornings are your best bet.
The entire process, from check-in to receiving your temporary license, usually takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether any issues arise with your documents. If your documents are incomplete or there is a problem with your process, you may be asked to return another day.
The Secretary of State does not publish real-time wait times, but you can call the Washington Street office at (312) 793-5226 to ask how busy they are before you go. Some people also check the office's social media or the Secretary of State website for updates on unusual delays.
If You Need a Road Test
If you are getting your first license and have never held a valid driver's license in any state, you must pass a road test. The Secretary of State does not conduct road tests at the Washington Street office; instead, you must schedule a test at a separate Driver Examination Station.
Chicago has two examination stations: one at 3341 South Halsted Street on the South Side, and one at 701 North Cicero Avenue in Cicero. You must bring your temporary paper license (issued after your written test), proof of vehicle ownership or rental, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The test takes about 30 minutes and costs $10.
To schedule a road test, call the Secretary of State's road test line at (217) 782-2720 or visit the website. Tests are often booked weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you pass your written test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day before scheduling another attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at the Washington Street office if it is expired?
Yes. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at any Secretary of State facility. Bring the same documents as for a new license. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and road test, depending on your age and how long it has been expired. Call ahead to confirm what you need.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you have none of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the county or state where you were born before you can get a driver's license. The Secretary of State office cannot issue one for you.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No. The Washington Street and Cicero offices operate on a walk-in basis. You take a number and wait. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times so you know when to go.
How long does it take to get my plastic license by mail?
Your plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Mail delivery to Chicago typically takes another 2 to 5 days, so expect to receive it within two to three weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time.
Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Illinois license without taking the written or road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Illinois, and your Social Security card. The fee is the same as for a new license.