
Here are the basic Illinois driver’s license requirements for a first-time license:
- Get a learner’s permit and get at least 50 hours of practice driving (if under 18)
- Complete a state-approved driver’s education course (if under 21)
- Be at least 18 for a full driver’s license without restrictions
- Be at least 21 years old for a full license without driver’s education
- Provide proof of identity
- Show proof of Illinois residency
- Show proof of Social Security number
What do I need to apply for an Illinois driver’s license?
An applicant applying for a driver’s license or ID card for the first time in Illinois must present: Standard DL/ID Applicant REAL ID DL/ID Applicant †One document that satisfies each of †One document that satisfies each of Group A, B, C and D. Group A, B, C and two from D.
What documents do I need to apply for a driver's license?
If this is your first time getting a driver's license or ID, you will need one document from groups A, B, C, and D. If you don't have a REAL ID, you are considered a first-time applicant. This is true even if you already have a driver's license or ID.
What kind of documents can I bring to the DMV in Illinois?
† Illinois Driver’s License (current or expired less than one year)* † Illinois ID Card (current or expired less than one year)* † Medicare Card* † Mortgage or Installment Loan Documents* † Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card (current)* † Passport (valid U.S. or foreign)*
How do I apply for an out of state license in Il?
To apply for your IL driver's license, visit your local SOS Driver Services Facility with: Your out-of-state license. You must surrender your old license. Required proofs of ID.

What does a new driver need to bring to DMV in Illinois?
Drivers License Notarized Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form if not accompanied by Parent/Guardian. Liability Insurance Card (if taking drive exam) Acceptable Identification documents.
Do you need a birth certificate to get a license in Illinois?
For proof of identity, a passport, a U.S. birth certificate, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card will be accepted. Residents will also need to provide proof of their Social Security number. A Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with a Social Security number on it will be accepted.
Do you need a Social Security card to get a driver's license in Illinois?
Yes, you can get an Illinois driver's license without your Social Security card if you have another proof of Social Security number. Examples include a W-2 or 1099 form.
What counts as proof of residency in Illinois?
Utility bill — electric, water, refuse, phone (land or cell), cable or gas (issued within 90 days prior to application). The most recent pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt bearing the applicant's name and full SSN. SSA-1099 Form. Non-SSA-1099 Form.
What is proof of signature Illinois?
For a proof of signature, residents can show a credit or debit card, a canceled check, a current Illinois driver's license or ID, a court order, a foreign passport, a Medicare card or a U.S. military ID.
What are valid forms of ID in Illinois?
List of Acceptable ID'sIllinois Driver's License.Out of state driver's license or ID card.Naturalization Certificate.Illinois State ID Card.Passport.U.S. Immigration Card.Illinois Public Aid ID card with Medical Card.
How much is a new driver's license in Illinois?
Driver's LicenseCommercial Driver's License (CDL)– Renewal or Transfer in from another state$60Driver's License or Permit – Corrected or Duplicate$5Corrected Driver's License/Permit, age 81-86$2Corrected Driver's License/Permit, age 87 and olderFreeDuplicate/Corrected Temporary (90-day) Driver's License$523 more rows
What states can you get a driver's license without a Social Security number?
Where Can You Get a Driver's License Without an SSN? Some states grant a driver's license without an SSN. To date, there are a total of 13 such States: California, Colorado, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Utah, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and Hawaii.
What five forms of must Illinois residents use to apply for a first time real ID?
(Examples are: a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.)
What is acceptable proof of address?
What counts as proof of address? Most utility bills, credit card statements, and lease agreements are acceptable proof of address for more institutions.
What can I use as proof of residence?
What documents are acceptable as proof of residenceUtility bill, e.g. municipal water and lights account or property managing agent statement.Bank statement from another bank on an official bank document or form.Municipal councillor's letter.Tax certificate.Recent active lease or rental agreement.More items...
What is the best proof of residency?
Proof of AddressValid Driver's License.Property Tax Receipt.Posted Mail with name of applicant.Utility Bill.Lease Agreement or mortgage statement.Insurance Card.Voter Registration Card.College Enrollment Papers.More items...
What does a minor need to get a state ID in Illinois?
To get an Illinois state ID, you will need to gather documents like your Social Security card, a proof of residence, and your birth certificate and bring them to your nearest Driver Services office or Secretary of State facility . You will then need to pay the required fee, based on your age and residence status.
What five forms of must Illinois residents use to apply for a first time real ID?
(Examples are: a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.)
What documents do I need to get a birth certificate in Illinois?
a completed Birth Certificate Request Form (be sure to include your phone number) a photocopy of your photo identification (click here for acceptable forms of ID) a check or money order payable to “Cook County Clerk” for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
How long does it take to get a copy of your birth certificate in Illinois?
NOTICE: Requests for vital records may be submitted to the IDPH Division of Vital Records via regular mail. Be advised that the processing time for requests is approximately 12 weeks from the time your paperwork is received.
Types of Illinois Driver Licenses
Illinois offers the following types of noncommercial Illinois driver licenses: 1. Class D license: 1. Class D licenses are the most common licenses...
Illinois Driver's License Eligibility Requirements
Generally, you're eligible for a new Illinois driver's license if you: 1. Don't have a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver's license. 2. Have a...
Apply For Your New Illinois Driver's License
The steps to apply for your license will vary with regard to the type of license you're applying for: Class D or restricted local license.
Illinois Driver's License Fees
Fees for a new Illinois driver's license are as follows: 1. 18 to 20 years old: $5. 2. 21 to 68 years old: $30. 3. 69 to 80 years old: $5. 4. 81 to...
Non-Citizens and New Illinois Driver's Licenses
A non-citizen driver's license in IL is called a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Note that NOT everyone is eligible. You WON'T APPLY for...
How long does it take to get a duplicate Illinois driver's license?
You will be issued a temporary driver's license and a permanent driver's license will be mailed within 15 business days.
How to get a duplicate driver's license?
To apply for a duplicate license, visit a Secretary of State facility and provide acceptable identification. Applicants will leave the facility with a temporary, secure paper driver's license, which is valid for 90 days and will serve as their DL/state ID for driving purposes and proof of identification. The temporary, secure paper driver's license will contain a photo and the basic information that appears on the permanent driver's license or state ID card. In addition, the facility employee will return the old DL/state ID card back to the applicant.
What is required to change name, date of birth, social security number, gender?
An applicant who requests a change in name, date of birth, Social Security number or gender must provide identification to link the change from the previous information to the new information
How long does it take to renew your driver's license?
The Secretary of State's office mails a renewal letter to driver's license holders 60 to 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. The letter is mailed to the address our office has on file for the driving record. The letter contains the information needed to renew your license. Testing requirements and fees vary depending on the type of license being renewed.
How to report lost driver's license?
Contact your local police department as soon as possible to report your lost or stolen driver's license.
What is a duplicate license?
A duplicate license contains the same information as the original license. If your license has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you may apply for a duplicate license. Victims of theft will receive a free duplicate license if a police report is presented showing the license was stolen.
How to get a corrected license?
To obtain a corrected license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility to turn in your incorrect license and provide acceptable identification.
What documents are required to sign a check in Illinois?from ilsos.gov
Proof of signature. This includes documents such as credit/debit card, cancelled check or current Illinois DL/ID. For a complete list, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
How old do you have to be to get a state ID in Illinois?from ilsos.gov
There is no minimum age for a state ID card, which provides photo identification for Illinois residents. Children traveling on airplanes may need identification of this type to fly. The card is issued for a fee and is valid for five years. To obtain a state ID card, please visit a Secretary of State facility.
What documents are needed to get a US citizenship?from ilsos.gov
Bring in one of the following documents: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate; a U.S. passport or passport card; an Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766; a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551; or an unexpired foreign passport with affixed visa and approved Form I-94. For a complete list, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
How long is a disability ID valid in Illinois?from dmv.org
Your ID card will be valid for 10 years.
How often do you have to recertify a real ID?from dmvappointments.org
The REAL ID regulation states how these documents need to be ordered a certain way and states need to recertify every 3 years.
How to get a veteran's license?from ilsos.gov
Bring your certified Veteran document such as a DD214, Form 13038 , Department of Defense Form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter or other official Department of Defense discharge document that indicates the applicant was honorable discharged to any Secretary of State facility to obtain the "Veteran" designation on your Driver's License or State ID card. If the "Veteran" designation is added during the renewal of your Driver's License or State ID card, there is no additional cost. If a veteran chooses to add the designation before their scheduled renewal date, they may obtain an updated Driver's License for $5 and an updated State ID card for $10. Veterans over the age of 65 can obtain an updated State ID card at no cost.
How to get a real ID?from dmvappointments.org
Board a domestic flight. Enter a nuclear power plant. Enter certain federal facilities. REAL IDs have a gold star in the upper-right corner. Obtaining a REAL ID for the first time requires visiting a Secretary of State (SOS) office. Consider making an appointment beforehand.
What type of license do you need to drive a car in Illinois?
If you prefer a non-compliant license, you'll need to bring additional proof of identification (like your passport). The Illinois Class D license is the license most Illinois drivers need. It allows you to operate regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Illinois?
NOTE: New drivers 18 through 20 years old who have not previously had a driver's license must complete an Adult Driver Education course in order to be eligible for a driver's license. Pass The Written Test With Ease. If you want to prepare for the written exam the SOS suggests to study the Illinois Driver Manual.
What is a non-citizen driver's license in Illinois?
A non-citizen driver's license in IL is called a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Note that NOT everyone is eligible.
What is restricted license?
Restricted local licenses are designed for people who live in low-population areas ( 3,500 people or less) and would like licenses to drive only within certain areas, for example to the local bank or grocery store.
How long can you drive with an out-of-state license?
You can drive with your out-of-state license for up to 90 days.
Do you need a license to drive a car in Illinois?
You must obtain an Illinois driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
Do you have to take a driving test in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) doesn't generally require driving tests for new-to-Illinois residents with valid out-of-state driver licenses, but agents do reserve the right to choose whether you must take one. For more information, contact your Driver Services Facility.
Where to apply for Illinois special license?
To request an application, call the Special License and Re-Examination Unit of the Secretary of State's office at (217) 782-2720 OR send a letter of request to: Secretary of State. Attn: Special License and Re-Examination Unit. 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway. Springfield, Illinois 62723.
How to replace Illinois driver's license?
To replace your Illinois driver's license: Visit an Illinois SOS office. Provide proof of your signature, birth date, SSN, and residency. Pay the $5 duplicate driver's license fee. In the event that you misplace your Illinois driver's license, or it is stolen from you, you'll need to obtain a new one from the Illinois Secretary of State.
How long does it take to get a license back in Illinois?
Returning to IL Within 90 Days. If the license you lost was valid and you will be returning to Illinois within 90 days, the SOS recommends that you request a temporary permit to be sent to your current out-of-state address. To request a permit, call the Special License and Re-Examination Unit of the Secretary of State's office at (217) 782-2720.
What to do if you lost your driver's license?
Report your lost or stolen commercial driver's license (CDL) to the police, just as you would a regular license. Law enforcement will mark it as missing in a national registry to prevent fraud.
How old do you have to be to get a lost ID?
Your license, permit, or ID was stolen and you bring a police report to the DSD office. You are 60 years old or older and your license, permit, or ID was lost or stolen.
Where to apply for lost ID in Illinois?
The IL SOS requires residents who need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license, permit, or ID to apply in person at a local DSD Office .
Is a replacement license free?
Your replacement license is free if ANY of the following statements is TRUE: You are an active duty member of the armed services or are the spouse or dependent child of an active-duty member of the military and live with him or her. Your license, permit, or ID was stolen and you bring a police report to the DSD office.
How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Illinois?
Knowing how to renew your drivers license includes understanding when to renew, which depends on what type of license you have. If you have a four-year or two-year license you can renew up to one year before it expires, and if you have a one-year license you can renew up to six months before it expires.
Where to find expiration date on Illinois driver's license?
Note: You can locate the expiration date of your Illinois driving credential on the front of your driver’s license card. In order to renew your license, you must meet certain drivers license renewal requirements that determine eligibility.
How to renew an expired driver's license?
To renew via mail, you must: Fill out all information needed on the drivers license renewal form. Provide payment for the renewal fee.
How long does it take to renew your license in Illinois?
You will receive a renewal letter from the Secretary of State’s office approximately 60 to 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. This letter will be mailed to the address that the drivers license office has on record, and it will contain all of the information needed to renew your license, including information about which renewal method you will be able to utilize.
How to renew your license in person?
To renew in-person, you must: Visit your local Secretary of State office. Provide your current driver license or ID card. Pass a vision exam. Take a written exam every eight years unless you have no traffic convictions. Take a driving exam if you are 75 years of age or older. Pay the applicable fees.
How long can you drive with an expired Illinois driver's license?
Armed Forces on active duty outside of Illinois, along with their spouses and children, may drive with an expired Illinois drivers license for up to 120 days upon their return to the state. To have this extension, a Military Deferral Certificate must be carried with your expired license.
What age do you have to be to be a safe driver?
The Safe Driver Qualifications include having clean driving record for the past four years and being between the ages of 22 and 74. The renewal notice that you receive in the mail will indicate whether you are part of the Safe Driver Renewal Program and which renewal methods are available to you.
What do you need to get a learners license in Illinois?
You must also be able to present appropriate identification documents, provide parental consent and pass both a written exam and a vision screening in order to finally obtain your Illinois learners license permit.
How to get a permit in Illinois?
To get a permit, you must pass a learners permit test before you can be given the permit. In Illinois, all of the information found on the written test is found inside the Illinois drivers manual. The test requires you to:
What is a learners permit in Illinois?
A learners permit in Illinois is a requirement for minor drivers as part of the Graduated Drivers Licensing program that has been set in place in the state . This program has three phases that must be followed by anyone younger than 18 years of age to eventually be able to get a full license. The phases are as follows: ...
How old do you have to be to get a learners permit?
In order to complete the first phase, you must obtain a DMV learners permit when you are at least 15 years of age. Then, once you have obtained the permit, you can begin to meet the other requirements necessary for getting a regular license. Therefore, it is important that you understand what the eligibility requirements are for ...
How old do you have to be to drive in Illinois?
In Illinois, the rules include that you must: Drive with a parent or adult 21 years of age or older with a valid drivers license. Only drive as many passengers as there are seatbelts in the vehicle. Ensure that all occupants wear seatbelts.
How long is a driver's license valid?
If you are 18 years of age or older, your permit is valid for one year.
What documents are needed to get a signature in Illinois?
Present acceptable documentation to verify your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Illinois residency and signature.
How much does a liquor license cost in Illinois?
The cost of a Retail liquor license is $750.00. You must have your local liquor license, Sales Tax number /Illinois Business Tax (IBT) number, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) before you can receive your state retail liquor license. A certificate of insurance is required for licensees with on-premise consumption or a combination of on/off-premise consumption. You must also provide a photocopy of your local license. NOTE: A receipt from the purchase of your local license is not acceptable.
How much does it cost to get a wine license in Illinois?
The cost of the license is $350.00 for wineries manufacturing under 250,000 gallons annually; $1,000.00 if manufacturing 500,000 gallons or less a year; and $1,500.00 if manufacturing over 500,000 gallons a year. REQUIRED: You must provide the Liquor Control Commission with a copy of all Federal Label/Bottle Approvals ( http://www.ttb.gov/forms/f510031.pdf) and one of the following Illinois Dept. of Revenue Bond Forms: REG-4-A (Financial Responsibility Bond); or REG-4-D (Financial Institution Irrevocable Letter of Credit Bond).
How many gallons of spirits can a class 1 distiller make?
A class 1 craft distiller license, which may only be issued to a licensed craft distiller or licensed non-resident dealer, shall allow the manufacture of up to 50,000 gallons of spirits per year provided that the class 1 craft distiller licensee does not manufacture more than a combined 50,000 gallons of spirits per year and is not a member of or affiliated with, directly or indirectly, a manufacturer that produces more than 50,000 gallons of spirits per year. If a class 1 craft distiller manufactures beer, it shall also obtain and shall only be eligible for, in addition to any current license, a class 1 brewer license, shall not manufacture more than 930,000 gallons of beer per year, and shall not be a member of or affiliated with, directly or indirectly, a manufacturer that produces more than 930,000 gallons of beer per year. If a class 1 craft distiller manufactures wine, it shall also obtain and shall only be eligible for, in addition to any current license, a first-class wine-manufacturer license or a first-class wine-maker's license, shall not manufacture more than 50,000 gallons of wine per year, and shall not be a member of or affiliated with, directly or indirectly, a manufacturer that produces more than 50,000 gallons of wine per year.A class 1 craft distiller licensee may make sales and deliveries to importing distributors and distributors and to retail licensees in accordance with the conditions set forth in paragraph (19) of subsection (a) of Section 3-12 of this Act. However, the aggregate amount of spirits sold to non-licensees and sold or delivered to retail licensees may not exceed 5,000 gallons per year. A class 1 craft distiller licensee may sell up to 5,000 gallons of such spirits to non-licensees to the extent permitted by any exemption approved by the State Commission pursuant to Section 6-4 of this Act. A class 1 craft distiller license holder may store such spirits at a non-contiguous licensed location, but at no time shall a class 1 craft distiller license holder directly or indirectly produce in the aggregate more than 50,000 gallons of spirits per year. A class 1 craft distiller licensee may hold more than one class 1 craft distiller's license. However, a class 1 craft distiller that holds more than one class 1 craft distiller license shall not manufacture, in the aggregate, more than 50,000 gallons of spirits by distillation per year and shall not sell, in the aggregate, more than 5,000 gallons of such spirits to non-licensees in accordance with an exemption approved by the State Commission pursuant to Section 6-4 of this Act. [235 ILCS 5/3-12 (19) (a) of the Liquor Control Act].
What is a showcase permit in Illinois?
A beer showcase permit means a license for use by a class 3 brewer or distributor to allow for the transfer of beer only from an existing licensed premises of a class 3 brewer or distributor to a designated site for a specific event. (235 ILCS 5/1-3.43 of the Liquor Control Act)A beer showcase permit license shall allow an Illinois-licensed distributor to transfer a portion of its beer inventory from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the beer showcase permit license, and, in the case of a class 3 brewer, transfer only beer the class 3 brewer manufactures from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the beer showcase permit license; and to sell or offer for sale at retail, only in the premises specified in the beer showcase permit license, the transferred or delivered beer for on or off premise consumption, but not for resale in any form and to sell to non-licensees not more than 96 fluid ounces of beer per person. A beer showcase permit license may be granted for the following time periods: one day or less; or 2 or more days to a maximum of 15 days per location in any 12-month period. An applicant for a beer showcase permit license must also submit with the application proof satisfactory to the State Commission that the applicant will provide dram shop liability insurance to the maximum limits and have local authority approval. The State Commission shall require the beer showcase applicant to comply with Section 6-27.1.
How much does a brewer license cost?
Class 1 Brewer License: The cost of this license is $75.00. A class 1 brewer is a licensed brewer or licensed non-resident dealer who manufactures not more than 930,000 gallons (30,000 barrels) of beer per year. A class 1 brewer may make sales and deliveries to distributors and importing distributors, and can apply for a self-distribution exemption allowing for the sale of not more than 232,500 gallons (7,500 barrels) of the exemption holder’s beer to retailers annually, but may not hold a brew pub license. Class 2 Brewer's License: The cost of this license is $100.00. A class 2 brewer is a licensed brewer or licensed non-resident dealer who manufactures up to 3,720,000 gallons (120,000 barrels) of beer per year. A class 2 brewer may make sales and deliveries to distributors and importing distributors, but is not eligible for a self-distribution exemption. A class 2 brewer may hold up to three brew pub licenses, and annually transfer up to 3,720,000 gallons (120,000 barrels) of manufactured beer between commonly-owned class 2 brewer locations.
What is a non-beverage user's license?
A Non-Beverage User's license allows for the purchase of alcoholic liquor from a licensed manufacturer or importing distributor —without the imposition of any tax upon the business of such licensed manufacturer or importing distributor. The alcoholic liquor can be used solely for the non-beverage purposes set forth in Section 8-1 of the Liquor Control Act. A Non-Beverage User's license consists of the following license classifications: Class 1—not to exceed 500 gallons; Class 2—not to exceed 1,000 gallons; Class 3—not to exceed 5,000 gallons; Class 4—not to exceed 10,000 gallons; and Class 5—not to exceed 50,000 gallons.
How to prove residency in Illinois?
To establish proof of Illinois residency, you must present TWO documents that contain your residence address. The documents must list your first and last name and match the residence address as listed on your DL/ID application.
What documents are needed for a birth certificate?
An original document or certified copy is required. Select ONE of the following documents. Certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a state office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in the individual's state of birth. U.S. passport or passport card.
What is the purpose of the REAL ID checklist?
In an effort to ensure you have all of the required documents to obtain a REAL ID driver's license or identification card (DL/ID), the office of the Secretary of State has developed an interactive checklist to help prepare you for the application process.
What documents are required to change your name?
Name change documents, such as a certified marriage certificate etc., are required by the federal government if your current name is different than the name that appears on your identity document (example: birth certificate).
What is the form for a certificate of citizenship?
Certificate of Citizenship issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Form N-560 or Form N-561 .
Who issues drivers licenses?
Driver's license issued by an agency of the U.S. government (e.g., Department of State).
What is the form for a permanent resident card?
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS or the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.