Driver's License & State ID

Visit a Secretary of State facility, show required identification documents and have your photo taken.

Surrender all valid out-of-state licenses, instruction permits and commercial driver's licenses.

Pay the appropriate fee.

Pass the appropriate exams (vision screening, written and/or driving).

When all necessary requirements are completed, a temporary, secure paper driver's license, valid for 90 days, will be issued to serve as the DL for driving purposes and proof of identification until the permanent DL arrives in the mail within 15 business days.

No age-related restrictions apply except in cases where a driver fails to move from the Initial Licensing Phase to the Full Licensing Phase.

Cell phone use while driving including a hands free device, is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency.

Texting while driving is prohibited.

Effective July 1, 2014, a person age 18-20, who did not take an approved driver education course in high school must successfully complete a six hour adult driver education course before obtaining a driver’s license.

Must be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on an authorized stay;

Provide acceptable documentation that proves name, date of birth, Illinois residency and verification of written signature;

Applicants age 18-20 without a valid license must present proof of successful completion of a 6-hour adult driver education and training course.

Pay the appropriate fee and successfully complete a vision screening and the appropriate written and road tests.

A TVDL will be issued only in a Class D, L, M, DL or DM, authorizing operation of a personal car, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. A TVDL is valid for three years or for the period of time the individual is authorized to stay in this country, whichever ends sooner.

Individuals eligible for a TVDL may obtain an instruction permit allowing them to practice driving before taking their road exam. To obtain an instruction permit, the applicant must visit one of the designated Secretary of State facilities (Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago North, Chicago West, Dekalb, Des Plaines, Macomb, Rockford Central, Springfield (Dirksen Parkway)) and meet the requirements for obtaining a license for the first time.

Illinois-issued ID cards can help Illinois residents prove identity when banking, traveling, or in other situations. More information about state ID cards is available in the Illinois Rules of the Road.

Visit a Secretary of State facility, show required identification documents and have your photo taken.

Surrender all valid out-of-state ID cards.

Pay the appropriate fee.

When all necessary requirements are completed, a temporary, secure paper state ID, valid for 90 days, will be issued to serve as the state ID for proof of identification until the permanent state ID arrives in the mail within 15 business days.