Documents required for an Illinois driver's license
Illinois requires four categories of documents before you can get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful status in the United States. You do not need all documents in every category — the Secretary of State's office accepts multiple options in each one, and you pick whichever you have on hand.
The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or transferring a license from another state. A first-time applicant needs more paperwork than someone renewing. The process also differs slightly if you are under 18.
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The Secretary of State will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport, even if it is notarized. One exception: you can bring a copy of a utility bill or lease for proof of residency, as long as it shows your current address and your name.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document from each of four categories: identity, residency, Social Security number, and lawful status.
- A U.S. passport or passport card covers identity and lawful status at the same time, reducing the total number of documents you need.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address.
- If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus a document showing you became a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the process in person, and that adult must bring their own ID.
Proof of identity documents
The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two documents from a longer list: a Social Security card, school ID, work ID, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license.
A passport or passport card is the strongest single document because it covers both identity and lawful status, meaning you do not need a separate document to prove you are allowed to live in the United States. If you have a passport, bring it — it simplifies the process.
A certified birth certificate must be an official copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record. If you were born in Illinois, order it from the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office.
Proof of residency in Illinois
You need a document showing your current Illinois address dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. The document must show both your name and your address.
If you recently moved and your name is not yet on a utility bill or lease, bring two documents showing your address — for example, a lease agreement plus a bank statement. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring that bill plus a document in your name showing the same address, such as a letter from your employer or school.
A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. Neither does a cell phone bill, unless it shows your mailing address and was issued within 30 days.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. The Secretary of State will not accept a document with a partial or redacted number.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you go to the Secretary of State's office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency to your local Social Security office. Processing takes one to two weeks.
Proof of lawful status in the United States
If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of lawful status. If you have a U.S. passport or passport card, that also covers lawful status.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus one of these documents: a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). These documents prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to live and work in the country.
If you are in the process of becoming a permanent resident or citizen, contact the Secretary of State's office to ask which documents they will accept. Rules vary depending on your immigration status.
What to bring for a first-time license versus a renewal
A first-time applicant must bring documents from all four categories listed above. If you are renewing a license that has not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online without bringing any documents — check the Secretary of State's website to see if you are may be able to access.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you must go to a Secretary of State office in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant.
If you are transferring a license from another state, bring your out-of-state license plus proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of lawful status if your out-of-state license shows you were already vetted by another state.
What minors under 18 need to bring
A minor explore for a driver's license must bring the same four categories of documents as an adult. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person at the Secretary of State's office. That parent or guardian must bring their own photo ID.
If the minor's address differs from the parent's address, bring proof of residency for the minor's address. If the minor's last name differs from the parent's, bring a birth certificate or court order showing the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
No. The Secretary of State requires an original certified birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. Order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?
Bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will use this to verify that all your documents refer to the same person, even if the names differ.
Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?
Yes. An expired passport still proves your identity and lawful status. The Secretary of State does not require it to be current.
What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?
Bring two documents showing your address: one in your name (such as a pay stub or school letter) and one showing the address (such as a utility bill in a household member's name). Both must be dated within 30 days and show the same address.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?
Either works. Bring whichever document you have that shows your full Social Security number. A pay stub, W-2, or 1099 is acceptable if it displays the complete number.