You can apply for a new driver's license at any Driver Services Facility in Illinois. Obtain a copy of Rules of the Road to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.
[edit] NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS
Following are the basic requirements for applying for an Illinois driver's license:
- Applicants must be 15 years or older.
- Any individual under 18 should provide parental consent and must complete the graduated driver licensing process. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
- Everyone must pass the vision, written, and driving tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.
- Applicants must provide acceptable proof of identification.
[edit] NEW RESIDENTS
Illinois residents holding a driver's license from another state may also need to pass the vision and written test. The written and/or driving tests may be waived at the discretion of the examiner. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification. You will have to give up your other State license when you receive your new license.
A Non-US citizen temporarily residing in Illinois can apply for an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). To be eligible for this, your visa should be valid for another six months and a Social Security number should not have been issued to you. You will have to pass the vision and written road tests to obtain this license. The license is valid for three years or till your visa expires.
If you hold a driver's license from another country and are visiting Illinois, you are allowed to legally drive upto one year in Illinois. You will have to carry your license with you whenever you are driving.
[edit] FEES
The various applicable fees are as follows:
- Basic Driver's License: $10
- Driver's License for persons aged 18-20: $5
- Driver's License for persons aged 21-68: $10
- Driver's License for persons aged 69-80: $5
- Driver's License for persons aged 81-86: $2
- Driver's License for persons aged 87 and older: Free
[edit] VALIDITY
The validity of an Illinois driver's license is based on the driver's age at the time the license was issued.
- For drivers under 21, the license expires three months after their 21st birthday, after which it may be renewed.
- For drivers between 21 and 80 the driver's license is valid for four years. It expires on their birthday.
- For drivers between 81and 86 years of age, the license is valid for two years.
- Driver's licenses for those who are 87 and older are valid for one year.
[edit] LEARNER'S LICENSE
With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in Illinois with a learner's license. See more information on instructional permits or graduated licensing program here.
[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- See also Renewing Your License.
- For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
- It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in Illinois.
- New drivers see our Driver Education, Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.