Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State

To get a learner's permit in Illinois, you need to bring specific documents to your local Secretary of State office. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 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 you do not have one of the required documents, you will be turned away and will need to return another day with the correct paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of Illinois residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN to the Secretary of State office in person.
  • A birth certificate or passport counts as proof of identity, and a utility bill or lease counts as proof of residency.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process and bring their own ID.
  • The fee for a learner's permit is $20, and you must pass a written test on road signs and traffic laws at the same visit.

Proof of Identity Documents That Work

Illinois accepts several forms of photo identification. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate are the most common. You can also use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you are a naturalized citizen.

If you have a valid Real ID driver's license or state ID from another state, that also works. A school ID or work ID does not count. The document must show your full legal name, date of birth, and a photo (if it is a passport or out-of-state license).

If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order one from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail.

Proof of Residency: What the Secretary of State Accepts

You must show that you live in Illinois. The Secretary of State accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Illinois address and be dated within the last 60 days.

A bank statement, insurance bill, or medical bill also works if it shows your name and address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with that bill and their ID.

If you are homeless or do not have access to these documents, contact your local Secretary of State office before you go. Some offices have alternative procedures, though they vary by location.

Proof of Social Security Number or ITIN

You must bring proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An original or certified copy of your Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works instead. You can obtain an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. Bring your ITIN letter or a tax return showing your ITIN.

Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card. The Secretary of State will not accept it. If your card is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What Parents or Guardians Must Bring for Applicants Under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process. They must bring their own valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The Secretary of State will check their identity before they can sign.

If both parents have custody, only one needs to be present. If you have a court order naming a legal guardian instead of a parent, bring a certified copy of that order. The guardian's ID must match the name on the court order.

If your parent or guardian cannot go with you, you cannot get a learner's permit that day. There is no exception for a notarized letter or power of attorney.

The process Form and What Happens at Your Visit

When you arrive at the Secretary of State office, you will fill out Form DL 101, the process for a learner's permit. Bring the form completed if you can, or fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

After you submit your documents and form, 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 study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State website. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

If you pass the test, you will pay the $20 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some may ask you to return another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

Fees and What You Pay At the Office

The learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You pay this fee at the Secretary of State office when you pass the written test. Some offices accept cash, debit, or credit card; a few accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

There are no additional fees for retaking the written test on the same day. If you fail and return on a different day, you still pay only $20 total — not $20 per attempt.

If you lose your permit before it expires, you can get a replacement for $20. If your permit expires and you want to renew it, you must return to the Secretary of State office with the same documents and take the written test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID as proof of identity?

No. The Secretary of State requires a government-issued photo ID like a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state driver's license. School and work IDs do not count, even if they have your photo and name.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

An uncertified birth certificate will not be accepted. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born or from the Illinois Department of Public Health if you were born in Illinois. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a copy?

You must bring the original Social Security card or a certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2, 1099, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name?

If you live with a parent or guardian, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, along with that bill and their ID. If you are homeless, contact your local Secretary of State office before you visit — some have alternative procedures.

Can my parent sign the process if they do not come to the office?

No. Your parent or legal guardian must be present in person at the Secretary of State office to sign your process. A notarized letter or power of attorney does not work as a substitute.