How to Get an IL Drivers License

You would think obtaining a valid Illinois drivers license would be easy if you already have a valid drivers license from another state. You would think. And while they draw the line at asking for a blood sample or your first born child, they do ask for many documents you may not normally carry with you. To save you from making five trips to the Secretary of State's office (like me), I will tell you what you need. Keep in mind, this is for people with current, valid U.S. licenses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Current Drivers License
• Birth Certificate or Passport
• Social Security Card
• Marriage Certificate (if your name on any of your documents has changed or doesn't match your current married name)
• Proof of Address (a bill or piece of mail that proves where you live)
• Patience

1. Gather ONE of these items:
   1. Lease Agreement
   2. Utility Bill
   3. Vehicle Registration Card
   4. Voter Registration Card
2. Gather ONE of these items:
   1. Passport
   2. Birth Certificate
   3. Adoption Record
3. Gather ONE of these items:
   1. Driver's License
   2. Canceled Check
   3. Major Credit Card
4. Gather ONE of these items:
   1. Social Security Card
   2. U.S. Military ID
5. If you have recently gotten married or changed your name, make sure you bring your marriage certificate or proper documentation IF your name is different from any of the documents in steps 1 through 4.
6. Locate your nearest Secretary of State's office. You'll need $10, a lot of patience and ONE item from each of steps 1 through 4.
7. You also need to take a written test, so be prepared. If you ask, they will give you a study booklet that has sample test questions. I highly recommend using this. The test is harder than you'd think.

Tips & Warnings

• To find a Secretary of State's office, use this site: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/facilities/home.html
• For a complete list of acceptable ID, go to: http://www.sos.state.il.us/departments/drivers/drivers_license/acceptable_id.html
• Smile for your photo - why not?
• This is also a good opportunity to register to vote. They should ask, but if they don't, make sure you tell them you'd like to register with your new address.
• Be prepared to wait up to a couple hours.
• Check and double check that you have the correct documents.