Chicago requires the same documents as Illinois, but the Secretary of State's office processes all applications

Chicago does not have its own driver license authority. The Illinois Secretary of State issues all driver licenses in the state, including those for Chicago residents. You cannot get a license from the city itself — you must go to a Secretary of State facility, either in Chicago or in another Illinois location if that is more convenient for you.

The documents you need are the same whether you live in Chicago or downstate. What changes is where you go to submit them and how long the wait might be. Chicago facilities tend to have longer lines than smaller cities, so timing matters.

You will need to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive your license. All three happen at the same facility on the same day or across multiple visits, depending on how you schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Secretary of State is the only body that issues driver licenses in Chicago; no city agency handles this.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of residency in Chicago, and a document proving your legal name and date of birth before you can test.
  • Chicago Secretary of State facilities are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours — check the specific office before you go.
  • The written test, vision test, and road test can happen on the same day if you pass the written portion first, but you may need to schedule the road test separately.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a tax document with your SSN, a lease or utility bill showing your Chicago address, and a passport or birth certificate.

Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State office

Bring originals, not copies. The Secretary of State will not accept photocopies of most documents. You need three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a state ID from another state. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport plus your green card or visa. A school ID or work badge will not work by itself.

For proof of residency in Chicago, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Chicago address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form with your full SSN printed on it. A pay stub works if it shows your full nine-digit SSN.

Where to go and how to schedule your appointment

Chicago has two main Secretary of State driver services facilities: one on the South Side at 9901 South King Drive, and one on the North Side at 2500 West Harrison Street. Both handle written tests, vision tests, and road tests. A third location, 17 North State Street downtown, handles renewals and some transactions but not first-time license testing.

You do not need an appointment for the written test and vision screening. Walk in during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours vary by location; call ahead if you plan to go on Saturday. Expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster.

The road test requires a separate appointment. After you pass your written test, ask the staff how to schedule it. You can book online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by phone at 217-782-6900, or in person at the facility. Road tests typically happen within two to four weeks of your request, though Chicago locations sometimes have longer waits during peak months.

What happens during your first visit

Bring all your documents and arrive early. The staff will check your documents against your process and may ask you to sign forms. You will then take the written test on a computer terminal. The test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will move to the vision screening. An automated machine checks your vision; you must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

After you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken for your license. The staff will tell you when your road test appointment is, or you can schedule it yourself that day. You cannot get your license until you pass the road test.

The road test: what to bring and what to expect

For your road test appointment, bring your written test receipt, your Social Security card or proof of SSN, and a vehicle. The car must be registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before you drive. If you bring a vehicle that fails this check, you will have to reschedule.

The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You will drive on city streets or nearby roads, following the examiner's directions. The examiner watches for safe lane changes, proper signaling, smooth braking, and your ability to follow traffic laws. Common reasons people fail are rolling through stop signs, improper turns, and unsafe lane changes.

If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new appointment.

Fees and payment methods

The written test and vision screening are free. The road test costs $10. Your first driver license costs $20 if you are under 21, or $30 if you are 21 or older. These fees are paid at the facility when you take your road test.

The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some facilities have ATMs on-site if you need cash.

Common mistakes that delay your license

Bringing copies instead of originals is the most common reason people are turned away. The Secretary of State will not scan or accept photocopies of your birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card. Bring the actual documents.

Bringing a residency document older than 60 days is another frequent problem. A utility bill from four months ago will not work. Check the date on every document before you leave home.

Not bringing your Social Security card or a document with your full SSN is also common. A driver's license number or tax ID is not a substitute. If you do not have your card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the Secretary of State.

Scheduling your road test too far in advance and then forgetting the date happens often. Write down your appointment time and set a phone reminder. If you miss it, you will have to call to reschedule.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Chicago, you can exchange it for an Illinois license without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Chicago residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exchange takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 or $30 depending on your age. Your new Illinois license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take the full test sequence — written, vision, and road — just like a first-time applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State offers the written test in Spanish, Polish, and several other languages. Tell the staff which language you need when you arrive. You may also bring a certified translator to help you understand the questions, though the translator cannot answer for you.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no fee for retakes. You must pass before you can take the vision test and schedule a road test.

Do I need to bring the vehicle I will be driving for the road test?

Yes. The examiner must inspect the vehicle and drive it during the test. It must be registered and insured. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it is registered and insured.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, the temporary extends to 30 days total. If you need to drive after 30 days and your permanent license has not arrived, contact the Secretary of State to request a replacement.

What if I move 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, by mail, or in person at any Secretary of State facility. There is no fee for an address change.