What you need to do to get an Illinois license when you move from another state

To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. Illinois does not accept online or mail-in transfers. You will take a vision test and pay a fee, but you will not retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than three years or you are under 18. The whole process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the facility.

Illinois recognizes valid licenses from all U.S. states and territories, so you can transfer directly without any waiting period. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than three years, the rules change — you may need to retake tests or complete additional steps before Illinois will issue you a new license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Illinois residency, and proof of legal presence (such as a passport or birth certificate).
  • You will not retake the written or road test if your license is valid and current, but you will pay a fee and pass a vision test.
  • If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than three years, Illinois will require you to retake both the written and road tests.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted for proof of residency or legal presence.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you must resolve that status before Illinois will issue a new license.

Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State

Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. If it is expired, bring it anyway — it still serves as proof of identity. You will also need one document proving your legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, or visa. Photocopies do not work; bring the original or a certified copy.

You must also prove you live in Illinois. The Secretary of State accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A PO box does not count as proof of residency. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name, bring two documents showing your new address — such as a lease and a utility bill process confirmation.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead.

What happens during your visit to the Secretary of State

Arrive at your local Secretary of State facility during business hours. You can find the nearest office and hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Most facilities operate Monday through Friday, with some offering limited Saturday hours. Bring all documents listed above.

A staff member will review your documents and take your photograph. You will pass a vision test using a machine that reads your ability to see at different distances. You will not retake the written test or road test if your out-of-state license is current and valid. You will then pay the fee for an Illinois driver's license. As of 2024, a standard four-year license costs $30 and an eight-year license costs $95, though fees may change. You will receive your temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your out-of-state license is expired by more than three years, you will be required to retake the written test and the road test. You will schedule these tests at the same visit or online through the Secretary of State website. The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs; the road test takes about 15 minutes and tests your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

When you must retake the written and road tests

You will not retake tests if your out-of-state license is current and valid, even if you have held it for only a few months. However, if your license expired more than three years ago, Illinois treats it as if you have never held a license and requires both the written and road tests.

If you are under 18, you must also retake both tests, regardless of whether your out-of-state license is current. Illinois has different licensing rules for minors, including restrictions on when and where you can drive. You will need to pass the tests to show you understand these restrictions.

If your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Illinois. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what you must do — this might include paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you transfer your license to Illinois.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for an Illinois driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs $30. An eight-year license costs $95. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; check the Secretary of State website before you visit to confirm the current price.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the facility that is valid when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the paper license to drive while you wait for the card. If you need the card faster, some Secretary of State facilities offer rush processing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.

The visit itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents and your license does not require retesting. If you must retake the written or road test, you will schedule those separately, and they add another 1 to 2 hours depending on how quickly you can book a test appointment.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked

Illinois will not issue you a license if your current or previous license is under suspension or revocation in any state. Before you visit the Secretary of State, check the status of your license in the state that issued it. You can do this by visiting that state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or calling them directly.

If your license is suspended, find out why and what you must do to lift the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a medical condition. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to take action. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid fines, you may need to pay them. If you were suspended for a medical reason, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted in the original state, you can transfer your license to Illinois. You may need to bring documentation showing the suspension has been resolved, such as a letter from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Call the Illinois Secretary of State before your visit to confirm what documents you need.

Real ID compliance and your new Illinois license

Your new Illinois driver's license will be Real ID compliant if you provide the required documents. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license as identification for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to do anything extra — if you bring proof of legal presence and proof of residency, your license will automatically be Real ID compliant.

Your license will show a gold star in the upper right corner if it is Real ID compliant. If you do not have proof of legal presence or do not want to provide it, you can request a non-compliant license, but you will not be able to use it for domestic flights or federal building access after May 7, 2025. You will need a passport or other federal ID instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to transfer my license right away when I move to Illinois?

Illinois law requires you to obtain an Illinois license within 30 days of establishing residency. You can drive on your out-of-state license during this time, but after 30 days you are driving without a valid Illinois license, which is a traffic violation. It is best to transfer as soon as you have proof of residency.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

Bring a copy of your out-of-state license if you have one, or contact the state that issued it and ask for a replacement or a letter stating your license number and status. You can also bring other identity documents such as a passport. Call the Illinois Secretary of State before your visit to confirm what documents they will accept in place of your original license.

Can I transfer my license if I have an out-of-state suspension on my record?

No. You must resolve the suspension in the original state first. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles, pay any fines or complete any required steps, and obtain written confirmation that the suspension has been lifted. Then you can transfer to Illinois.

Will my new Illinois license have the same number as my out-of-state license?

No. Illinois will issue you a new license number. Your old number will no longer be valid. Keep your old license for your records if you wish, but do not use it to drive.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can transfer your license if you have valid immigration status and the required documents proving it. Acceptable documents include a permanent resident card, employment authorization document, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record. You must also provide proof of Illinois residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.