Illinois Driver's License

Instruction Permit

In Illinois, teens at least 15 can start working towards their full regular licenses. They usually start with an instruction permit.

This permit allows individuals to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver's license for at least one year. They are required to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice.

New adult drivers who have never tried driving must also get this permit.

For information about the instruction permit requirements, visit the "Driver Services—Instruction Permit Requirements" page on the IL SOS official website.

Provisional License

After completing the permit requirements at age 16, drivers can apply for an initial license by passing a driving skills test.

Full Class D License

At age 18, drivers who have completed the previous phases graduate to a full, unrestricted license. The Class D is the most common type of license in the state. Drivers with this license usually own regular passenger vehicles such as cars, vans, and small trucks.

For more information on how to get this license, check the "How to Obtain a Driver's License in Illinois" section of this guide.

Other Licenses

Some of the other licenses in Illinois are the following:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Holding a CDL is mandatory for commercial vehicle drivers. The state upholds certain competency standards for safely operating vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and passenger buses. Operators of farm equipment, emergency equipment, recreational vehicles, military vehicles, and township employees are exempt from the requirement.

CDLs in Illinois are classified into different categories. Each category has corresponding Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) requirements measured in pounds.

Class A

Operators under Class A are authorized to operate combination vehicles with 26,001 pounds of GCWR and above. Additionally, this classification permits the towing of vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds of GVWR. This classification is typically required for tractor-trailer combinations used in long-haul transportation.

Class B

Class B permits drivers to operate a vehicle with 26,001 pounds of GCWR and upwards. It also applies when another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds of GVWR is towed. This category suits drivers operating straight trucks with heavy loads, such as dump trucks or delivery trucks.

Class C

Class C permits drivers to operate vehicles with a GVWR between 16,001 and 26,001 pounds. This class covers vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver. It is also for drivers who transport hazardous materials and require a hazardous materials endorsement.

Motorcycle License

A motorcycle license permits individuals to operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles legally in the state. There are two distinct types available in Illinois:

• Class L is for operating motorcycles with engine displacements under 150cc.
• Class M is for motorcycles with 150cc or larger engine displacements.

Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside Illinois may qualify to add a motorcycle endorsement to their Illinois driver's license. It requires completing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course at their military base.

Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)

IL SOS issues a TVDL to non-U.S. citizens residing temporarily in Illinois. This license is specifically for individuals with legal, temporary entry into the U.S.

Restricted Local Driver's License

Drivers residing in communities with populations of 3,500 or fewer may qualify for a Restricted Local License. This license permits them to drive within specific local areas and essential locations like grocery stores, banks, or post offices.

Required Documentation

Individuals must provide documents to prove their identification to apply for a driver's license in Illinois. These are divided into categories, which are:

• Group A — Written Signature
• Group B — Date of Birth
• Group C — SSN
• Group D — Residency

Applicants must submit original copies of required documents, some of which may satisfy multiple categories. These include ID cards, Social Security cards, U.S. Military Service Records, U.S. Military ID cards, and canceled checks.

Applicants can review the full list of accepted documents before making an appointment.

Drivers aged 16-17 in Illinois must provide specific documentation:

• Completion of course from an IL SOS-accredited driving school
• Their learner's permit
• 50-Hour Practice Driving Log
• A notarized consent form
• Liability Insurance Card (required for the driving exam)
• Acceptable identification documents

Testing Requirements

Drivers need to pass several tests to obtain a driver's license:

Vision Screening

Typically conducted at Driver Services facilities, this screening evaluates distance and peripheral vision.

Alternatively, applicants can submit a report completed by a licensed doctor. The report must confirm a minimum visual acuity of at least 20/40, with or without corrective lenses. Those with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 can drive only during daylight hours.

Drivers must have peripheral vision of at least 140 degrees to qualify for an unrestricted license, regardless of whether they wear corrective lenses.

Written Exam

Drivers must also successfully pass a written exam that evaluates their understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook. It covers many topics, such as traffic signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and the effects of substances like alcohol and drugs on driving ability. Applicants are required to visit a Driver Services facility to take the written exam.

Driving Exam

During the driving exam, applicants are evaluated on their ability to control the vehicle and follow traffic signals and signs. They will also be asked to execute maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking and react appropriately to traffic situations. Certified examiners from the ILSOS conduct these assessments.

Applicants typically use their vehicle for the exam, which must be in good working condition and adequately insured. The vehicle for the exam must be brought to the facility by someone with a valid driver's license or permit. The examiner will provide feedback and inform the applicant of their results after the exam.

Adult Driver Education

Applicants aged 18-20 who have never held a license or completed an approved driver education course must undergo Adult Driver Education. The six-hour course can be done with certified IL SOS providers in a traditional classroom or online.

Upon successfully finishing the course, participants are issued a certificate of completion. This certificate allows applicants to proceed to a Driver Services facility to undertake the necessary exams to obtain a driver's license.

Only courses from approved providers will fulfill the requirement.

Fees

In Illinois, the costs for driver's licenses vary based on the license type and specific circumstances. Below are the applicable fees:

Instruction Permits

If someone obtains their license before their instruction permit expires, they may not need to pay an additional fee. However, if they need to get the instruction permit first, the fee is $20.

Driver's License

Here are the fees for driver's licenses:

• Basic: $30
• Ages 18-20: $5
• Ages 21-68: $30
• Ages 69-80: $5
• Ages 81-86: $2
• Ages 87+: Free

Applicants can review the current Illinois driver's license fees to view the full fee schedule. The appropriate fees can be paid using cash, check, or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa).

License Renewal

Illinois drivers will receive a renewal notice from IL SOS 60 to 90 days before their license expires. The renewal process can be done through a local facility or online using the Driver and Driver's License/State ID Card Renewal page. If drivers are notified they qualify under the Safe Driver Renewal Program, they can also process the renewal over the telephone or through mail.

However, an in-person appointment is necessary in cases where a driver:

• Needs to undergo a written examination or road test
• Has to submit a medical or vision report
• Seeks a REAL ID card
• Wants to add a P.O. Box to their declared address

Drivers will also have to submit acceptable documents to prove identification.

Furthermore, applicants will need to undergo testing, depending on their license. Everyone renewing their licenses must pass a vision screening. A written exam is required every eight years, except for those with a clean driving record. Meanwhile, individuals aged 75 and older must take a driving exam.

Upon visiting a facility, applicants will receive a temporary license valid for 90 days. This document serves as both a driving credential and proof of ID. The old license is returned to the applicant.

The permanent driver's license will be sent by mail within 15 days. Applicants can check the delivery status online if the license does not arrive as expected.

License Replacement

Applicants can apply for a duplicate if a driver's license is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Lost or stolen licenses should be reported to the local police department immediately. Changes in name, gender, and address also necessitate a license replacement. Address changes must be reported within ten days.

To apply, drivers must visit a Driver Services facility with acceptable identification. For changes in name, date of birth, SSN, or gender, identification linking the old information to the new information is required. Meanwhile, applicants must submit a Gender Designation Form for a gender change to reflect on their license.

Theft victims can receive a free duplicate if they present a police report. Changing gender designation at renewal has no additional fee. Otherwise, a $5 fee is charged for a corrected license and $10 for a corrected ID card.

Applicants will receive a temporary license valid for 90 days. The permanent license should arrive by mail in about 15 days.

Out-of-state applicants can contact IL SOS at 217-782-2720 for a duplicate license application that can be processed through the mail. Alternatively, they can email to request a duplicate. Drivers must supply their complete legal name, birthday, license number, and official address outside the state where the license can be sent.