The following offenses will result in your arrest and possible imprisonment of up to
five years and the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of
12 months:
- Signing a driver’s license/ID card application that includes false information.
- Presenting false identification for the purposes of obtaining a driver’s license/ID
card. - Using a fictitious or unlawfully altered driver’s license/permit.
- Presenting another person’s driver’s license/ID card as if it were yours.
- Allowing another person to use your identification documents to apply for a driver’s
license/ID card.
Notations on the Back of Your Driver’s License
On the back of your license you may:
- Note your blood type and RH factor.
- Indicate you carry an Emergency Medical Information Card. Stickers are available at
any Driver Services facility, hospitals, schools, medical groups or associations that
provide Emergency Medical Information Cards. - Indicate that you carry a living will and/or power of attorney for health care notification card. Stickers are available at any Driver Services facility.
Medical Report
When you apply for a driver’s license, you will be asked about any physical or mental
conditions that may potentially impair your safe operation of a motor vehicle, or any
medications you use (prescribed or over-the-counter), drugs or alcohol that may impair
your driving ability. In certain instances, you must provide a Medical Report completed by your doctor verifying your medical ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The
report must be presented to the Driver Services facility personnel within 90 days from
the date the doctor signs it. The form is available at any Driver Services facility or at
www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
If you develop a medical condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or
any loss of ability to safely operate a vehicle, you must notify the Secretary of State’s
office within 10 days of becoming aware of the condition. Failure to do so may lead
to cancellation of your driver’s license and driving privileges.
Non-Driving Programs Related to Your Driver’s License
The Secretary of State’s office is required to ask certain non-driving-related questions during the driver’s license/ID card application process. Among these are:
- Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry – Persons age 18 and older will be asked to join the registry. Your wishes regarding organ/tissue donation will be honored. For more information, visit www.LifeGoesOn.com or call 800-210-2106.
- Voter Registration – Any person applying for a driver’s license/ID card will be asked if he/she would like to apply to register to vote. The application will be mailed to the appropriate election authority for processing. The local election authority will then mail a voter registration card to the applicant. For more information, contact your local election authority.
- Selective Service – Federal law requires all males ages 18-25 to register with the Selective Service System. The signature on the driver’s license/ID card application of any qualifying male certifies that he has registered or, if not already registered, authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to submit his information to the Selective Service System for registration.
Illinois Driver’s License FAQs
Will I be able to check my Illinois driver’s license status online?
Yes, you can check your Illinois driver’s license status online. If 15 days have passed since you visited the facility and you haven’t received your new permanent driver’s license (or real ID card) yet, you may check the status online by visiting the Driver Services website. You can also call their office at 217-782-7044.
Is it mandatory to get a Real ID in Illinois?
Not necessarily, as you can still use a valid U.S. Passport to fly domestically. However, starting May 3, 2023, the federal government will require travelers to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for domestic flights within the United States. You can still use other documents like a valid passport, of course.
If you are a new Illinois driver, you are NOT considered as REAL ID-compliant automatically. This means that you must still request a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office when you get your driver’s license renewed, or when your first-time Illinois driver’s license is issued.
Do I need to take a new picture when I renew my license?
Yes, the photo on your driver’s license should be updated every time you renew.
Is a Social Security card a requirement to get my license?
Yes, it’s part of the requirements in Illinois’ driver’s license application process.
However, if you’re not eligible for one, you can visit the Social Security Administration and request a letter that states you are not eligible for an SSN. This form is known as Form L-676.
If you are eligible but you don’t have one, you must apply for it first before you can apply for an Illinois driver’s license.
Are new Illinois residents required to take a driver’s test?
Yes, even if you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you are still required to retake the written test in order to transfer your out-of-state license.