If you're applying for a driver’s license for the first time, you will need proof of your:

• Written signature,
• Date of birth,
• Social Security number, and
• Address, or a Homeless status certification.

To see what you might be able to use, see Document requirements to obtain a driver's license/state ID card.

If you are a non-citizen and you want to get a driver's license, see Driver's license for immigrants. 

To apply for a driver's license, you need to bring various documents and the fee or fee waiver to a Secretary of State facility near you. The price for a driver's license depends on your age or the type of license you want to get. Use this chart to figure out how much a driver's license costs:

• Instruction permit - $20
• Basic license, ages 18-20 - $5
• Basic license, ages 21-68 - $30
• Basic license, ages 69-80 - $5
• Basic license, ages 81-86 - $2
• Basic license, ages 87 or older - Free

Visit the Secretary of State website to find a location in your area. If you’re applying for a driver’s license, you may need to take a written test, driving test, and vision test. If you’re under 21 years old, there may be additional requirements, see Graduated driver license for more information. You may be issued a temporary license that will last up to 90 days. The Secretary of State will continue to issue you temporary licenses as long as necessary.

Appointments: Starting September 1, 2023, individuals seeking REAL ID, driver’s license and ID card services, and in-car driving tests are required to make an appointment if they want to visit one of the 44 busiest DMVs in person. This includes all Chicago and suburban sites and some central and downstate locations. Visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817- 4649 to schedule an appointment.

Visit Secretary of State's Skip-the-Line program, to learn more about which services are offered online, if you are required to schedule an appointment, and the newly extended hours of all DMVs.