Get your first driver's license in Illinois

Online or in person

No, in person at a DMVThe Secretary of State lists no online application for a first permit or license. You can schedule a DMV appointment online. Teens in driver education may have their instructor submit the permit application. You visit a DMV to show your documents, have your photo taken, pay the fee and pass any required exams (vision screening, written or driving). You can schedule a DMV appointment online.

Cost

$20 permit + $30 licenseYou leave with a temporary paper license valid for 90 days; the permanent card is mailed within 15 business days.

You leave with

Instruction permit, then a driver's licenseYou leave with a temporary paper license valid for 90 days; the permanent card is mailed within 15 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of signature (Group A)
     A first-time standard license needs one document from each of Groups A, B, C and D. One document may satisfy more than one group. Signature comparison is part of the check.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • U.S. passport (Current or expired less than 2 years)
     • Major brand credit or debit card
     • Cancelled check (Dated within 90 days)
     • Cooperative Driver Testing Program Certificate
   • Proof of date of birth (Group B)
     Must show your full name and complete date of birth.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Birth certificate (Certified copy)
     • U.S. passport
     • Certified grade school, high school or college transcript
     • Adoption records
   • Social Security number (Group C)
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card (Issued by the Social Security Administration)
     • SSA-1099 form
     • Non-SSA-1099 form
   • Proof of Illinois residency (Group D)
     Must show your full name and residence address. A REAL ID needs two residency documents.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Bank statement (Dated within 90 days)
     • Utility bill (Electric, water, refuse, phone, cable or gas, issued within 90 days)
     • Letter on official school letterhead (Dated within 90 days)
     • Certified grade school, high school or college transcript
   • Payment · all that apply

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Illinois Permit Practice Test: 35 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Illinois practice test

3. Pass the vision screening and written exam

   Both are required for a permit, along with the fee, identification documents and a Secretary of State application. The Class D written test is offered in 23 languages, including English.

   Driver's License Information (SOS) ↗

4. Get your instruction permit

   Pay the permit fee and bring your identification documents and a Secretary of State application. Under 18, the permit is valid for two years and needs parent or guardian consent. At 18 or older, it is valid for one year.

   Instruction Permit Requirements (SOS) ↗

5. Practice with a supervising adult

   Drive with an adult who is at least 21, has a license for the type of vehicle you are driving and has at least one year of driving experience. The Secretary of State does not state a holding period for permits issued at 18 or older.

6. Pass the driving exam

   Pass any required driving exam at a DMV. High school driver education students with a combined grade of A or B and a parent's approval may instead pass a behind-the-wheel exam given by their certified instructor through the Cooperative Driver Testing Program.

   Driver Education (SOS) ↗

7. Get your driver's license

   At a DMV, show your documents, have your photo taken, pay the fee and pass any required exams. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 90 days; the permanent card is mailed within 15 business days.

   Driver's License Information (SOS) ↗