Everything you need to eliminate stress from your next move. Affordable moving, packing, and unpacking on residential, commercial, local, and long-distance moves.
The main focus of the company has always been great personal service and attention to detail. We differentiate ourselves from other moving companies for the following reasons:
Since 2016, StraightLine Moving has assisted with countless moves and received hundreds of positive reviews. In fact, we have a 98% referral rate from customers.
When you move to Illinois, there is often a long list of associated tasks you may need to take care of before settling into your new home. One of the most essential things is updating your driver's license to keep it current. So you need to research the Illinois driver's license requirements.
Whether you're moving from out of state and need a new license or you're simply updating your contact information, submitting a change of address for your Illinois driver's license can help ensure you receive important communications and avoid any issues.
However, if you're a new driver or have recently bought a home in Illinois, you may not fully understand the process or Illinois driver's license requirements. To help things run more smoothly, here is a look at how to submit an Illinois driver's license change of address, along with some important facts to know.
Illinois Driver's License Requirements & Steps | How to Get an Illinois ID
Submitting a change of address on your Illinois driver's license isn't as complicated as you might expect. It's very important to follow the proper Illinois driver's license requirements to ensure your information is up-to-date and accurate. First, you'll need to determine what type of ID you're looking to get. In addition to the standard Illinois driver's license, the state also offers several different types of permits and IDs that offer various benefits and Illinois driver's license requirements.
Standard ID: Required to legally operate a motor vehicle in Illinois.
Illinois ID card: Available for those who don't need to drive but still need a valid form of identification.
Commercial driver's license: Required for anyone operating large commercial vehicles for business purposes.
Learner's permit: Required for individuals learning to drive before obtaining a standard license.
REAL ID: An enhanced driver's license or state ID in Illinois that meets federal requirements and allows carriers to be accepted onto flights and enter certain federal buildings.
The Illinois driver's license requirements will be slightly different depending on the type of ID you choose to get. That's why it's essential to understand the type of license or identification required and proceed accordingly. There are also different Illinois driver's license requirements depending on whether you're under or over the age of 21.
Illinois Driver's License Requirements for Drivers Under 21 | How to Obtain a Driver’s Permit In Illinois
There are three phases drivers under 21 must go through in order to become fully licensed. Here are the Illinois driver's license requirements for drivers who are 15 -20. Here are the requirements for a driver's license in Illinois for young drivers.
Permit phase (15 years old): Must have consent from a parent or legal guardian and be enrolled in an approved driver education course. According to the official Illinois driver's license requirements, you must have your learner’s permit in Illinois for a minimum of 9 months, and the driver must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Initial licensing phase (16 to 17 years old): The driver must have completed a state-approved driver's education course and obtained permission from a parent or legal guardian, as well as certification of 50 hours of driving practice. During this initial licensing phase, there are restrictions on nighttime driving and the number/age of passengers allowed in the vehicle. Illinois driver's license requirements also state that motorists are required to maintain a clean driving record for 6 months prior to turning 18 to graduate to full licensing.
Full licensing phase: Age-related restrictions on driving are lifted; however, texting while driving and cellphone use are prohibited for drivers under 19 except in the case of an emergency.
Note: For more information, refer to the State of Illinois driver's license requirements, rules, and restrictions for drivers under 21 on the state's official website.
Illinois Driver's License Requirements for Drivers Over 21
Drivers over 21 aren't subject to the same restrictions as new drivers. Yet, they will still be required to follow certain protocols. Here are the steps to getting your driver's license in Illinois.
Prepare required documents: You'll need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, complete date of birth, proof of Illinois residency, and a written signature. You'll be required to provide 1 document from the following four groups: written signature (group A), birth date (group B), social security (Group C), Illinois residency (Group D) Documents required for a driver's license in Illinois include things like your passport, lease, Illinois birth certificate, military service record, social security card, a gas, electric or cable bill, bank statement, etc. Acceptable examples of your written signature can include a cancelled check or a major brand credit card, such as Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. You can find a full list of acceptable documents and other Illinois driver's license requirements on the state's website.
Visit the DMV: Use the Secretary of State Facility Finder tool to locate the closest DMV to you. While not always required, it's often wise to make an appointment, especially at busier locations.
Complete the exams: You'll need to pass a vision screening and a written Illinois DMV test at the facility (you must get at least 85% of the 35 questions correct). Applicants will then need to schedule a state of Illinois driver's test with a licensed examiner. Illinois driver's license requirements also state that you must complete the driving test in a vehicle that is properly registered and insured.
Pay the fee: Once you pass all the exams, you'll need to pay the new licensing fee. You will receive a temporary driver’s license that is valid for 90 days, which you can use to begin driving right away. Your permanent license will then be sent to you in the mail within 15 business days.
Illinois Driver's License Fees
You will be expected to pay a small fee as one of the Illinois driver's license requirements. However, the amount will depend on your birth date and the type of license you're getting.
Here are some of the common fees associated with obtaining an Illinois driver's license:
Basic license: $30
Driver's License: Person age 18 to 20: $5
Driver's License: Person age 21 to 68: $20
Driver's License: Person age 69 to 80: $5
Driver's License: Person age 81 to 86: $2
Seniors over 87 don’t have to pay a fee. You can find more information about commercial licenses, motorcycle licenses, and the Illinois driver's license requirements for other types of vehicles on the state's website.
Transfer Driver's License to Illinois | How Do I Get My New License in Illinois?
For those who already have a valid driver's license in a different state, you won't be required to retake the driving test. However, you will still need to comply with all the other Illinois driver's license requirements to obtain a valid ID. Here are the steps you should take to submit an Illinois driver's license change of address if you're coming from out of state.
Establish Illinois residency: First, you must make Illinois your primary residence and provide a valid address form. You'll be required to show proof in the form of a bank statement, utility bill, or other official document. So you shouldn't attempt to submit an Illinois driver's license change of address prior to moving.
Gather the required documents: Collect your proof of identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency. You'll also be asked to submit a written signature as one of the Illinois driver's license requirements.
Visit a Secretary of State driver's service facility: You can look up the closest location online (making an appointment in advance is recommended).
Complete the in-person process: At the DMV, you'll be required to surrender your out-of-state license. You'll also be required to pass the vision screening and Illinois written driving test. You'll also have a new photo taken and pay a fee according to the Illinois driver's license requirements.
Receive your new Illinois license: You'll be given a temporary paper license, which will be valid for 90 days, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Corrected or Duplicate Illinois Driver's License Requirements
In some cases, you may not need a brand-new license, but rather a replacement or update to your existing one. In that case, you'll either want to apply for a corrected or duplicate license. Here are the Illinois driver's license requirements for requesting a duplicate or corrected license.
Duplicate License | How to Replace a Lost License in Illinois
A duplicate license features the same information as the original. It's typically required if your first license is lost, stolen, or destroyed. All you need to do to request a duplicate license is to visit a Secretary of State Facility and provide the requested forms of identification and your driver's license number. There is typically a $5 fee for requesting a duplicate license; however, if you provide a police report confirming that the license was stolen, it can be obtained for free.
Corrected License | How to Submit an Illinois License Change of Address
A corrected license is when you need to update information on the original license, such as a full name or address change on an Illinois license. To submit an Illinois driver's license change of address, you must visit a Secretary of State facility, surrender your old address, and provide an acceptable form of identification.
Illinois law requires residents to notify the Secretary of State's office of an address or name change within 10 days. You can change your address online; however, you're still required to visit a facility in person before your license expires. There is a $5 fee for correcting your license to process your Illinois driver's license change of address.
You are also allowed to apply for a corrected license if you wish to change the gender on your license by filling out the Gender Designation Change form and paying the $5 fee. There is no additional fee if you update your gender at renewal.
Illinois Driver's License Requirements for Renewal
It's also critical to keep your Illinois driver's license in good standing and renew it on time. In general, Illinois driver's licenses expire every four years on the driver's birthday (depending on the driver's age).
When your Illinois driver's license is set to expire, the Secretary of State will mail you a renewal notice with instructions if you are eligible. Individuals with a clean driving record will receive a 14-digit PIN or renewal authorization number.
Illinois Driver's license requirements to renew online:
Pay the fee (the fee is the same to obtain a driver's license)
Who does not meet the Illinois driver's license requirements to renew online:
Drivers who need to complete a written examination or road test
Drivers who need to submit an updated medical or vision report
Anyone who wants a Real ID-compliant driver's license or Illinois State ID card
Those who want to add a P.O. box to their address
Other ways to renew a license in Illinois:
By mail: You can submit your application through the mail if you received a mail-in renewal notice with instructions.
In-person: Drivers with recent traffic violations or accidents who need to retake the vision or written exam can visit a DMV location in person and complete the renewal application.
Agency Locations — Make an Appointment at the Illinois DMV
The Secretary of State's website offers a helpful tool that allows you to find the appropriate information or facility, depending on the type of service you need. You can use it to find online resources, a fast lane kiosk, or a DMV service center. To find the closest physical location, simply enter your zip code and the type of service you need help with, and it will display the closest locations.
The Secretary of State also maintains a list of DMV Facilities by Locationin various regions throughout the state, which includes the address and phone number. While it's typically advised to visit the closest location, you can also reach out to their main flagship location in Chicago or their new flagship center in Springfield with specific questions about Illinois driver's license requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Illinois Driver's License in the Mail?
Once your application is approved and you've paid the fee, you will receive your permanent Illinois driver's license in the mail within 15 business days. In the meantime, you'll be given a paper license, which is valid for up to 90 days.
What Is Proof of Residency in Illinois?
Proof of residency is any official document that confirms your permanent residence is in the state of Illinois. Examples include a bank statement, mortgage statement, university form, utility bill, or other similar document. The Illinois Secretary of State maintains a comprehensive list of documents that are considered acceptable and unacceptable according to Illinois driver's license requirements.
How to Submit an Illinois Driver’s License Change of Address?
To submit an Illinois driver's license change of address, you'll need to request a corrected license. Make an appointment at the local DMV in your county, fill out the application, pay the fee, and surrender your old license. They will mail you the updated version within 15 business days.
What Age Can You Get Your License in Illinois?
You can get your learner’s permit at 15 and become officially licensed at 16. However, the Illinois driver’s license requirements are different for drivers who are under 18.
Planning a Relocation to Illinois?
Are you researching the Illinois driver’s license requirements in preparation for moving? When you’re ready to make the move,you can trust the reliable Rockford movers at StraightLine Moving to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (815) 708-7875 today for a free quote.
