Illinois Driver's License
Requirements
In Illinois, driver's licenses are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (often referred to as "Cyber Drive Illinois") — not a Department of Motor Vehicles. Illinois operates a strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program with three phases for drivers under 21: an Instruction Permit at age 15 (with driver's ed enrollment) or 17 and 3 months (without driver's ed), an Initial License at 16–17 with passenger and nighttime restrictions, and a Full License at 18. The standard credential is a Class D Driver's License. Illinois offers a REAL ID-compliant version (gold star) and a standard non-REAL ID version — REAL ID is required to board domestic flights since May 2025. Drivers under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) and 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) before applying for the Initial License. Adults applying for the first time can move through the process much faster, but still must pass vision, written, and driving tests.
Requirements Overview
You must be an Illinois resident to apply. Bring two documents proving your current Illinois address — at least one from each of the Secretary of State's residency lists. P.O. boxes are not accepted. The Secretary of State publishes a complete document requirements tool at ilsos.gov.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Illinois DMV website.
- Proof of identity and date of birth (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card)
- Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, or 1099)
- Proof of full legal name (SSN card, marriage certificate, court order if name has changed)
- Two proofs of Illinois residency (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, voter registration card — must show your name and current address)
- Parental or guardian consent (if under 18) — parent must sign in person at the facility
- Proof of school attendance and good standing (if 16–17) — required by Illinois law
- Proof of completion of approved driver education course (if under 18)
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Illinois DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Illinois driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Illinois Rules of the Road Handbook
Download the official Illinois Rules of the Road handbook from ilsos.gov — it's also available in Spanish, Polish, and other languages. The written knowledge test is 35 questions (need 80% / 28 correct to pass) and covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and Illinois-specific laws like Scott's Law (move over for emergency vehicles) and the state's zero-tolerance DUI law for drivers under 21.
Pro tip: Take the Secretary of State's free official practice tests at ilsos.gov until you consistently score 90%+ — they use the same question pool as the real exam.
Complete Driver Education (Required if Under 18)
Illinois law requires every applicant under 18 to complete a state-approved driver education course before being issued an Instruction Permit. The course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. It's offered at most Illinois public high schools (often free or low-cost) and at private commercial driving schools ($200–$500). Adults 18 and older are not required to take a course but may take the Adult Driver Ed course ($45) for a discount on insurance and as test prep.
Pro tip: Public high school driver's ed is by far the cheapest option in Illinois — it's free or under $50 in most districts. Sign up early as classes fill up each semester.
Get an Instruction Permit (Age 15 with Driver's Ed)
Visit any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your identity, SSN, and residency documents — plus a parent and proof of school enrollment if under 18. Pass a vision screening (20/40 in at least one eye), and the 35-question written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit costs $20 and is valid for 2 years. Drivers under 18 must hold the permit for at least 9 months and remain conviction-free for 6 months before applying for an Initial License.
Pro tip: Cyber Drive Illinois lets you book appointments online at ilsos.gov — appointments skip the walk-in line, which can be 1–3 hours at busy Chicago and Cook County facilities.
Complete 50 Hours of Supervised Practice Driving
Illinois requires 50 hours of supervised practice — including at least 10 hours at night — for applicants under 18. All practice must be with a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat. The driver must have at least 1 year of driving experience and be willing to certify the practice hours. Use the official Driver Education Practice Driving Log to record date, duration, weather, and road conditions for each session.
Pass the Driving Skills Test
Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel driving skills test at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. The test takes about 15–20 minutes and includes an exterior vehicle inspection, basic vehicle operation, turning, lane changes, three-point turn, parallel parking (some facilities), and stopping at signs and lights. You bring your own vehicle, which must have valid registration, insurance, and working safety equipment (lights, signals, brakes, mirrors, wipers).
Pro tip: Some Illinois driving schools offer the road test as part of their Adult Driver Education course — taking the test there means a familiar vehicle and often shorter wait times than Secretary of State facilities.
Receive Your Illinois Driver's License
Pay the $30 license fee. Applicants 16–17 receive a Graduated License with restrictions: no driving 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Sun–Thu and 11 p.m.–6 a.m. Fri–Sat (with limited exceptions); maximum 1 passenger under 20 (other than family) for the first 12 months; no cell phone use while driving (any age under 19). Decide whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license (gold star) — required for domestic flights — or a standard non-REAL ID license. The REAL ID requires extra documents but costs the same. Your physical card is mailed within 15 business days; you receive a temporary paper license immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 16 years old to receive a Graduated Driver's License (with completed driver's ed, 50 supervised hours, 9 months on a permit, and parental consent). A full unrestricted license is issued at age 18. Applicants can apply for an Instruction Permit at age 15 if enrolled in driver's ed, or at 17 years and 3 months without driver's ed.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Illinois DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.