To apply for a driver's license, you will need to bring various documents and the fee or fee waiver to an Illinois Secretary of State facility near you. Driver's licenses are similar to state ID cards in that they have your picture, address, birthdate, and describe what you look like. They might also say your blood type and whether you are an organ donor.  To apply for a driver's license, you need to visit a Secretary of State Facility. You may also need to take driving tests. To find a Secretary of State Facility near you, visit the Secretary of State website.

Document Requirements

When applying for a driver's license in Illinois for the first time, you will need one or more documents that prove:

• Your name and written signature,
• Date of birth,
• Social Security number, and
• Residency in Illinois.

If you are applying to renew your Illinois driver's license you only need to show documents proving your name and written signature. This can be be your current driver's license if it expired less than a year ago. Examples of documents that may be used are:

• Driver's license, court order, passport, Social Security card and Medicare card to prove your name and written signature, 
• Birth certificate, adoption papers, driver's license and Social Security award letter to prove your date of birth,
• Social Security award letter, Social Security card, pay stub that shows name and Social Security number to prove your Social Security number, and 
• Bank statement that shows name and address, mortgage or lease, pay stub that shows name and address, and utility bills less than 90 days old to prove residency. 

For a complete list of examples, visit the Secretary of State Acceptable Identification Documents website.

Driver Exams

There may be a written or driving examination for applicants that have never had a driver's license before and in certain cases when renewing a driver's license. Driver's must take a written examination at least once every 8 years when renewing a driver's license, except a driver having no traffic violations. You may also have to pass an eye exam. Persons under the age of 20 may also have to complete a driver education course.

Fee

The price of 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.

To find a Secretary of State location near you, visit the Secretary of State website. Be sure to bring the documents and the fee or fee waiver. You may be issued a temporary driver's license that will last up to 90 days. You will be issued additional temporary licenses as necessary.