Illinois Driver's License Requirements 2026

Illinois has clear but strict requirements for getting a driver license. Whether you are a first-time teen driver, an adult applying for the first time, or a new Illinois resident transferring from another state, this guide walks through everything you need to bring and do in 2026.

Documents You Must Bring

Illinois requires you to prove four things: who you are, your Social Security number, where you live, and (if applicable) your legal name changes. Here is what counts:

Proof of Identity (one document required)

• Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• Original or certified birth certificate
• Permanent resident card
• Employment authorization card
• Other approved federal documents

Proof of Social Security Number (one document)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• 1099 form
• Recent pay stub showing full SSN

Proof of Illinois Residency (TWO documents required)

Both documents must show your current Illinois address and be dated within the past 90 days:

• Utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet)
• Current lease or rental agreement
• Bank or credit card statement
• Mortgage statement
• Homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
• Voter registration card
• Medical claim or statement from the last 90 days

Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable)

Only needed if your current legal name differs from the name on your identity document. Provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree.

REAL ID vs. Standard Driver's License

The federal REAL ID requirement is now in effect for domestic flights and federal buildings. You now have to decide which type of Illinois license you want:

REAL ID

• Required to board domestic flights under current federal rules (unless you have a passport)
• Required to enter certain federal buildings and facilities
• Has a gold star in the upper-right corner
• Requires the full set of identity documents listed above

Standard Driver's License

• Works for driving, ID, voting, and most state purposes
• Cannot be used to board domestic flights — you must use a passport instead
• Cannot be used to enter secure federal facilities
• Slightly fewer document requirements

You do NOT need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport, are not planning to fly domestically, or are under 18. The Illinois Rules of the Road states you have the choice between REAL ID and a standard card.

Illinois License Fees for 2026

Age	License Fee
Instruction permit (all ages)	$20
Driver's license, ages 18 to 20	$5
Driver's license, ages 21 to 68	$30
Driver's license, ages 69 to 80	$5
Driver's license, ages 81 to 86	$2
Driver's license, ages 87 and older	Free

Age-Based Requirements

Ages 15 to 17

• Must be enrolled in approved driver education
• Must hold instruction permit for at least 9 months
• Must complete required supervised driving hours (with a portion at night)
• Must pass written, vision, and driving tests
• Parental consent required
• Subject to graduated driver license (GDL) restrictions once licensed — including passenger limits and nighttime driving restrictions

Ages 18 to 20

• No driver education requirement
• Still subject to some graduated license passenger restrictions during the first year
• Must pass written, vision, and driving tests
• Can walk in without an appointment (though appointments save time)

Ages 21 and Older

• Full adult driver license with no GDL restrictions
• Must pass written, vision, and driving tests
• License fee is $30 (until age 69)

Tests You Must Pass

• Vision test: Given at the counter. You must demonstrate adequate vision, with glasses or contacts allowed.
• Written knowledge test: 35 questions. Need 28 correct (80%) to pass. 15 questions on road signs, 20 on traffic laws.
• Driving test (road test): Given by a Secretary of State examiner in your vehicle. Tests basic maneuvers, traffic law compliance, and safe driving practices.

Required Supervised Driving (Under 18)

If you are under 18, you cannot go directly from a permit to a license. Illinois requires you to:

• Hold the instruction permit for at least 9 months
• Complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving
• 10 of those hours must be at night
• The supervising driver must be 21 or older, licensed, and have at least one year of driving experience

For New Illinois Residents

If you are moving to Illinois from another state, you must transfer your license within 90 days of establishing Illinois residency. Bring your current out-of-state license along with the documents listed above. You may need to pass a written test, a vision test, or both, depending on the state you came from. The driving test is usually waived for valid out-of-state licenses in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions