Frequently Asked Questions

If you suspect that you have become a victim of theft, it is recommended that you contact the nearest law enforcement facility in order to be protected from identity theft.

Providing a police report from a stolen drivers licensereport can also waive any applicable fee you may face when requesting a drivers license replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

A copy of the drivers manual is available online on the Driver Services Department’s website of the Secretary of State in Illinois. Illinois driving manuals are also available at high schools across the state.

The Course Workbook can be obtained at authorized locations for instructors of the Cooperative Driver Testing Program who teachdrivers ed.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

Drivers canrenew drivers licenseusing one of three methods:

• In person at a nearby Secretary of State Facility
• Online via the Safe Renewal System, if you have shown a good drivers record in the last four years
• Out-of-State Renewal option,if you are a military personnel stationed abroad

Each method requires drivers to provide proof of identity and pay the appropriate fees, unless the applicant is fee-exempt. Once all the aforementioned steps have been completed, drivers will be issued a renewed license, which in Illinois has several security features.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

To get drivers license in Illinois, drivers must visit a local Secretary of State Facility and follow these steps:

1. Provide proof of ID
2. Have photo taken
3. Surrender any other valid ID card, instruction permit or CDL license
4. Pass required tests
5. Pay $30 fee for persons over 21 or $5 for persons between 18 and 20 years old

Drivers license application is done under the Illinois graduated licensing system which means that an instruction permit is issued before obtaining a regular driving license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

To obtain the right to hardship conditions in Illinois, you need to follow the instructions for obtaining a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) by completing and meeting the following requirements:

• Submit application at a Secretary of State Facility
• Must not be a multiple offender under Statutory Summary Suspension
• Must not be under 16 years of age
• Must prove that the hardship exists
• Provide medical evaluation and proof of treatment
• Appear before a hearing officer and prove you are not a danger to public safety
• Repeat offenders must have Ignition Interlock Device installed and pay applicable fees
• Pay $50 filing fee

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

When working for the military out of the state, you can use the expired drivers license extension privilege, which validates your expired drivers license for a period of 120 days upon your return to Illinois. After the 120 days, you will need to file for a proper duplicate drivers license.

To use this privilege, you must carry your old drivers license copy and a Military Deferral Certificate. To get the required certificate, send back and front copies of your military ID card and data for your current out-of-state address to:

Secretary of State License and Medical Review Unit 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield IL 62723

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

To obtain a drivers license copy in Illinois, follow these steps:

1. Visit a nearby Secretary of State Facility
2. Submit all necessary documents
3. Pay appropriate fees

Applicants are required to present damaged drivers licenses to the IL DMV along with acceptable proof of identification.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

Illinois is among the states that do not employ a Habitual Traffic Offender law.This does not mean that repetitive violations are not treated stricter than first-time violations. Repeat offenders get longer periods of drivers license suspension and need to pay additional fees.

For more information: Suspended License Information in Illinois

Reinstating a suspended driving license in Illinois can be done in two specific ways depending on the type of suspension you ve been given.

If you have been put under a Statutory Summary Suspension, follow these steps:

1. Clear all other revocations or suspensions
2. Pay $250 or $500 reinstatement fee for repeated offenders

If you have been put under a revocation (Statutory Summary Suspension included), proceed with these steps:

1. Clear driving record
2. Take an alcohol evaluation
3. Complete an alcohol awareness program
4. Appear for a hearing and demonstrate that public safety will not be endangered if driving privileges are restored
5. File proof of financial responsibility prior to reinstatement
6. Pay $500 reinstatement fee
7. Pass all tests
8. Pay appropriate application fee

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

If you are a member of the armed forces and stationed abroad, you can use anexpired drivers license for 120 days upon your return to Illinois. This is a privilege that extends to your spouse and children, as well.

To utilize this privilege, you must carry your old driving license copy on you along with a Military Deferral Certificate, which you can obtain by sending a copy of your military card stating your out-of-state address to the following address:

Secretary of State License and Medical Review Unit 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield IL 62723

After the six-month period expires, drivers need to renew their license at Secretary of State Facilities.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

If you are a non-U.S. citizen residing in Illinois, you will need to provide evidence of having a legal status in the state. To do so, you need to submit the following documents:

• Proof of written signature:
  • I-551 – Alien Registration Card
  • I-766 – Employment Authorization Card
  • I-94 – Arrival/Departure Record with Valid Passport

• Proof of date of birth:
  • I-551 – Alien Registration Card
  • I-571 – Refugee Travel Document
  • I-766 – Employment Authorization Card
  • I-797A – Notice of Action Status Change
  • I-94 – Arrival/Departure Record with Valid Passport

• Proof of Social Security Number

The same document from the above-mentioned list can be used for more than one of the purposes above to obtain a new drivers license copy.

For more information:Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

In order to request an IL drivers license replacement from out of state, drivers may contact the Special License and Re-Examination Unit in Illinois by phone at 217-782-6901 to request a 90-day temporary drivers license. In order to be eligible, drivers must be out of state for no more than 90 days and must hold a valid driving license. The temporary license will be mailed to the drivers current address.

For stays out of the state that are longer than 90 days, drivers can get necessary forms for drivers license replacement via mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

The vision screening test required to get a drivers licenseis conducted at any Secretary of State Facility . Drivers are required to show 20/40 vision acuity on the test in order to be issued a certificate which can serve as proof in support to your drivers license application.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

If you are stopped while driving in Illinois and oppose to take the chemical test, the law enforcement officer will issue an immediate driving license suspension for as long as:

• One year for first offense
• Three years for second or subsequent offenses

A driver who fails to submit to a blood test may later need to pay up to $500 for the medical costs incurred due to the blood test.

For more information: Suspended License Information in Illinois

In Illinois, dates for renewing drivers licensesin a timely manner depend on the type of driving license you hold and are as follows:

• Two or four-year licenses: May renew up to one year before expiry date.
• One-year licenses: May renew up to six months before expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

The Secretary of State in Illinois has an established practice of fee waivers for stolen drivers license as long as certain conditions are satisfied.

Drivers over 60, who have been subject to theft, can ask for a fee waiver without submitting evidence for the filed police report.

Citizens under the age of 60 can also get their drivers license replacement free of charge as long as they accompany the request with evidence of a filed police report.

For more information:Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

Illinois has established some age restrictions to renew divers licenses that concern minors and senior citizens, which include:

• Drivers under 21 must renew drivers license on or before 21st birthday.
• Drivers aged between 21 and 80 must renew drivers license after four years.
• Drivers between 81 and 86 mustrenew drivers license after two years.
• Drivers 87 or older must renew drivers license each year.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

The drivers license copy will be mailed to the address you have provided to a nearby Secretary of State Facility.

It is recommended that you keep your address up-to-date and report any changes to driver’s facilities as soon as possible in order to avoid any discrepancies. The Secretary of State Facility will keep your address on your official driving record and will use it for any future correspondence.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

Senior drivers in Illinois have limited driving license validity and need to reapply sooner than younger drivers and are required to retake the vision screening test. Seniors over 75 are also required to take the driving exam.

The licensing renewal system is calibrated into three age categories:

• From 21 to 80: Driving license is valid for four years and expires on driver’s birthday.
• From 81 through 86: Driving license is valid for two years.
• Over 87: Driving license is valid for one year.

Renewal fees are discounted for senior drivers who are applying for drivers license with drivers over 87 being fee-exempt.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

A suspended driving license in Illinois may be the result of improper traffic behavior, which violates road rules, as well as other laws. Some of the most common activities that can break the law and lead to adrivers license suspension include:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test
• Driving without propercar insurance
• Driving with a suspended license or with no license
• Speeding
• Excessive moving violations
• Failure to appear at a court hearing
• Failure to provide child support

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

Driving with a suspended drivers license in Illinois will put you through a graduated system of additional suspensions and fines:

• First conviction:
  • Class A misdemeanor
  • Imprisonment of 10 days or 30 days of community service
  • Fines as high as $2,500
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

• Second conviction:
  • Class 4 felony
  • Imprisonment of 30 days or 300 hours of community service
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

• Third conviction:
  • Class 4 felony
  • Imprisonment of 30 days or 300 hours of community service
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

• Fourth through ninth conviction:
  • Class 4 felony
  • Imprisonment of 180 days
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

• 10th through 14th conviction:
  • Class 3 felony
  • No probation or conditional discharge
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

• 15th or subsequent convictions:
  • Class 2 felony
  • No probation or conditional discharge
  • Suspension for double the original period or additional revocation of one year
  • Possible seizure or forfeiture of vehicle

If your license has been suspended because you have been convicted of three moving violations within the last twelve months, you can continue to drive with a Probationary License if you fulfill certain criteria, including:

• Owning a valid drivers license that is not expired.
• Being at least 21 years of age.
• Attending a Defensive Driving Course.

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

Costs for the duplicate drivers license in Illinois vary according to the age and the status of the applicant. The reason behind the replacement is also considered.

When getting a copy of a driving license that has been mutilated, stolen or lost,the required fees fall under two categories including:

• $5 basic replacement fee for regular applicants
• No fee for:
  • Members of the military and their spouses and children
  • Persons over 60 with stolen drivers license
  • Persons under 60 with stolen drivers license (must add police report)

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

Illinois will charge you with reinstatement fees, which will be proportionally distributed among various state authorities and funds. The fees depend on the actual suspension or revocation attribution of the suspended drivers license. Suspension reinstatement fees include:

• For first time offenders:
  • $250 fee, $30 of which goes to an Alcohol Abuse Fund

• For repeated offenders:
  • $500 fee, $60 of which goes to the Illinois Road Fund
  • $190 to the Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Fund
  • $250 to the General Revenue Fund

Revocation reinstatement fees include:

• $50 nonrefundable filing fee for the court hearing
• $500 license reinstatement fee

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

Drivers who have committed a DUI traffic offense in Illinois may be eligible to obtain a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) if they prove that hardship exists. Below are the eligible suspension conditions, which the driver must complete to get the RDP:

• Be over 16
• Appear at hearing
• Prove that hardship exists
• Provide proof of treatment
• Abstain from endangering public safety
• Have Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device installed
• Not have committed multiple DUI offenses under Statutory Summary Suspension

When the suspended driver successfully fulfills the above criteria, they may proceed with a request toreinstate suspended drivers licenses.

For more information: Suspended License Information in Illinois

To make sure that you are well prepared to take the driving test you should digest the road and traffic rules knowledge from the Illinois Course Workbook issued by the Secretary of State.

If it happens that you fail, you are allowed to take the test two more times with a period of one yearfrom the date you pay the application fee. If you fail three times in a row or if you fail to retake the test within that year, you will need to reapply and pay new fees in order to retake the required exam.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

Depending of your status of residency in Illinois, there are differences in the set of documents you will need to submit in support to the drivers license application:

• Illinois residents who apply for drivers license need to present:
  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of written signature
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of social security number
  • Test certificates
  • Old copies of drivers license or ID card
  • Proof of 6-hour adult supervised drivers training
• Non-citizen or temporary visitors to Illinois need to also add:
  • Authorization for legal residence in the state
  • Proof of one-year legal stay with six months remaining

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

Whenrenewing expired drivers licenses in Illinois, the documents that you need to submit in support to your application depend on the type of renewal you are using and whether you are renewing online, in person or out-of-state. Required documents and steps you need to take in order to apply for a drivers license renewal include:

1. Carry renewal letter
2. Present ID card
3. Pass vision screening test, if renewing in person
4. Take knowledge exam if you are over 75
5. Pay appropriate fee:
   • $5 for persons aged 18-20
   • $30 for persons aged 21-68
   • $5 for persons aged 69-80
   • $2 for persons aged 81-86
   • Free of charge for persons 87 and over

Drivers may apply for adrivers license renewal as early as one year before expiration date for two and four-year licenses, and as early as six months before expiration date for one-year licenses.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

To get a duplicate drivers license in Illinois,drivers will need to collect and submit the relevant documents to the nearest Secretary of State Facility.

The documents required to apply for adrivers license replacement in Illinois are:

• Proof of written signature
• Proof of date of birth
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of residency (two documents)
• $5 fee, unless exempt
• Old drivers license copy in case it was damaged
• Police report if you are under 60 and want to be fee-exempt

For more information:Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

The written test is only done in English. In order to successfully pass the exam, applicants are required to answer 80 percent of 35 random multiple-choice questions,correctly.

To check if there are any additional languages offered, visit DMV substations and ask for your language of choice. Questions can be given to the applicant in an audio format if needed.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

The drivers license renewal system in Illinois does not state any specific administrative fees or penalties that come out of late renewals.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

Renewed drivers licenses are usually issued immediately. If you have not received the renewed copy of your expired drivers license on time, you should get in touch with the nearest Illinois Secretary of State Facility and check for the reasons of the delay.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

To get a drivers licensein order to drive legally in Illinois, you will need to successfully pass certain tests, including:

• Vision screening test
• Knowledge test
• Road skills test

Some of the tests need to be retaken depending on the age of the applicant, previous convictions or at renewals.

To look into the option of taking a road test waiver which is at times possible check with a nearby Secretary of State Facility.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

Illinois drivers are required to follow the graduated driving license system. There are five types of driving licenses you can apply for depending on what phase of the GDL you are eligible for, including:

• Instruction permit for beginner drivers aged 15
• Initial license for drivers between 16 and 17
• Full license for drivers over 18
• Restricted local drivers license to be used in areas of 3,500 sqm or smaller
• Temporary visitor drivers license for non-U.S. citizens with temporary legal entry

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

Drivers can complete the suspended drivers license reinstatement only after the suspension period expires and after all other reinstatement requirements have been fulfilled. In Illinois, there are two types of suspensions:

• Statutory Summary Suspension
• Revocation (Statutory Summary Suspension included)

The reinstatement for each types of drivers license suspension will be valid only when it is entered on the driving record.

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

Depending on your age, there are several time restrictions you must follow when renewing your drivers license which consist of:

• If you are under 21 the license will expire when you turn 21
• If you are between 21 and 80 the license is valid for four years
• If you are between 81 and 86 the license is valid for two years
• If you are over 87 you must renew the license each year

Out-of state renewals need to be completed within six months after you return home.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

Drivers applying for a drivers license replacement in Illinois will receive a drivers license copy from Secretary of State Facilities via mailin approximately 90 days.

Drivers must have the correct address information on their official driving record to avoid unnecessary delays.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Illinois Driver’s License or ID Card

In order to check if you have asuspended drivers license due to a traffic violation in Illinois, you may ask for details and request documents about the suspension directly from the:

Department of Driver Services

Abstract Unit

2701 South Dirksen Parkway

Springfield, IL 62723

Information about hearings related to drivers license suspension may be obtained at the:

Department of Administrative Hearings

Support Services

Section 501

South 2nd Street, Room 212

Howlett Building Springfield, IL 62756

For more information:Suspended License Information in Illinois

Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

Illinois DMV Office Contact Information

Illinois drivers can obtain a new drivers license at a Secretary of State Facility by following these steps:

1. Provide proof of ID
2. Have your photo taken
3. Surrender any other valid ID card, instruction permit or CDL license
4. Pass required tests
5. Pay $30 fee for persons over 21 or $5 for persons between 18 and 20 years old

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Illinois

A vision screening test in Illinois is mandatory for all applicants who apply torenew expired divers licenses in person at a Secretary of State Facility.

If you are eligible to use the online system as a Safe Driver with a good driving record, you may be exempt from the vision test.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois

In Illinois, drivers renewing drivers licenseswill be sent an official reminder letter by the Secretary of State approximately 60 to 90 days prior to the expiry date via mail.

Sending drivers license renewal notices is the regular practice, yet it is not a guarantee. Therefore, if you do not receive a renewal notice, you are still held responsiblefor renewing your drivers license on time.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Illinois