How To Get An Illinois Driver’s License

In this article, we will discuss how to obtain your Illinois driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Read on to learn about the driver’s licenses in Illinois and how to get one!

Types of Illinois Driver’s Licenses

The state of Illinois has more than one type of driver’s license. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of Illinois driver’s licenses. The driver’s licenses in Illinois are classified by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Illinois drivers who are seeking a standard driver’s license to operate a car in Illinois will need a Class D driver’s license. Here is a list of all driver’s license classifications in the state of Illinois.

Class A – for vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, given that the vehicle being towed exceeds a weight limit of 10,000 pounds. (This does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles – you will need a CDL for these vehicle types.)

Class B – any single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle that is towing another that is not in excess of 10,000 pounds. (This does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles – A CDL is generally required.)

Class C – any motor vehicle that has a GVWR that exceeds 16,000 pounds but does not weigh more than 26,001 pounds, or any vehicle that is towing another with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, or any vehicle that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or hazardous materials that require placarding. (This does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.)

Class D – any motor vehicle with a GVWR of 16,000 pounds or less, except those vehicles that require a Class A, B, or C driver’s license or an L or M motorcycle license.

Class L – any motor-driven cycle that has less than 150cc displacement

Class M – any motorcycle or motor-driven vehicle

Be advised that Class D license holders are allowed to operate rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds when transporting their personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within the state of Illinois. The driver must be provided information to successfully complete a safety course regarding the safe operation of the vehicle obtained from the rental company.

Special Licenses in Illinois

Certain driver’s licenses are issued in Connecticut under special circumstances. These circumstances can include:

Probationary License – this license is issued in conjunction with a driver improvement activity that grants full driving privileges during a period of suspension for a driver who is age 21 and over. This license may only be issued to a person suspended for three moving violations in a 12-month period and can’t be issued for more than three months.

Restricted Local Driver’s License – this special license is issued to drivers who live in a community with less than 3,500 residents and drive only within certain areas of the community

Special Driving Permits in Illinois

Illinois drivers whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked may still be allowed to operate a motor vehicle using special permits in certain classes. These permits are as follows:

Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) – An Illinois restricted driving permit allows residents of Illinois to operate a motor vehicle during certain times and along specific routes for work-related or educational purposes, transporting a childing in the home to and from daycare, or an acceptable education institution, or to receive medical care or drug treatment. An RDP will not be issued to an individual under the age of 16.

Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) – this permit allows an individual who is a first-time DUI offender serving a statutory summary suspension to operate a motor vehicle. An MDDP is required for individuals to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed on their vehicle. The issuance of the MDDP and installation of the BAIID allows drivers to legally operate a motor vehicle at any time of the day or night, as long as they do not consume alcohol before driving, and do not tamper with the BAIID unit. Individuals under the age of 18 can’t receive an MDDP.

Occupational Driving Permit (ODP) – this permit allows a professional driver whose driver’s license has been suspended for three moving violations to operate a motor vehicle in conjunction with 61 employment. To qualify for this permit, you must drive a vehicle for a living. The ODP does not apply to commercial drivers.

Probationary License/Permit – this permit allows drivers who are age 21 and older, whose driver’s license has been suspended for three moving violations in a 12-month period, to operate a vehicle during the period of suspension. This permit can be issued for no more than three months. This permit is issued in conjunction with a driver improvement activity that eventually grants full driving privileges during a period of suspension for drivers age 21 and over.

Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permit (FRP) – this Illinois driving permit allows a driver whose license was suspended for nonpayment of child support or child visitation abuse to operate a vehicle. This driving permit is only issued following a circuit judge’s order or upon direction from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Illinois Driver’s License Requirements

Before you scramble to make your way to your local IL DMV branch, you need to know whether you need to apply for a new IL driver’s license.

You must obtain an Illinois driver’s license if:

You are a current resident of Illinois who’s never obtained a driver’s license
You are a new resident of Illinois and want to apply for an IL driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
You intend on operating any non-commercial vehicle that requires a Class D or Class M driver’s license
You obtain legal presence in the state of Illinois and the United States (You do not have to have an IL driver’s license IF you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State

You do not need to have an Illinois driver’s license if:

You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
You’re an active military member or dependent that is stationed in Illinois, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in IL
You operate farm-purpose vehicles off public highways
You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for Your Illinois Driver’s License

The state of Illinois has age-specific driver’s licenses and permits.

Illinois Teen License Age Requirements

15 years old: eligible for a learner’s permit
16 years old: eligible for a provisional license
18 years old: eligible for a full driver’s license

Illinois Learner’s Permit

Individuals can who are 15 years old can apply for an Illinois learner’s permit, also known as an Illinois instruction permit. Individuals must also be enrolled in a state-approved driver’s education course or be 30 days away from beginning their course.

To apply, you need to visit your local Driver Services facility with your parent/guardian (they are required to give consent) and:

Provide acceptable proof of identity
Provide proof of enrollment in Driver’s Ed
Pass a vision test
Pass the IL DMV written test
Pay the $20 Illinois learner’s permit fee

In order for you to earn your IL learner’s permit and driver’s license as a teen driver, all teenagers 17 years and 3 months must complete a state-approved driver’s education course.

Driver’s Ed in the state of Illinois consists of:

30 hours of classroom instruction
6 hours of in-car driving instruction

You will also need to complete an additional 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with your parent, legal guardian, or a supervising licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. The behind-the-wheel driving practice also includes 10 hours of night driving. You must complete these driving hours when you receive your learner’s permit.

If you decide to wait until you are 17 years and 3 months old to obtain an IL learner’s permit, you will not be required to provide proof of Driver’s Ed completion.

Once you’ve obtained your IL instruction permit, you can begin the behind-the-wheel portion of your driver’s education course. You may also begin logging your practice your hours with your parent or legal guardian or licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

You are required to obtain your instruction permit for at least 9 months before you will be eligible to apply for an Illinois driver’s license. Your Illinois permit is valid for 2 years.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements

You must complete 50 hours of practice driving and 10 hours of this driving must be done at night. You can log your driving hours on the SOS’s 50-Hour Practice Log (Form DSD X 152) if you choose, and you can use this form as proof of completion when you go to apply for your initial Illinois driver’s license.

Illinois Instruction Permit Driving Restrictions

When you have an Illinois learner’s permit, you can drive:

Only with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver’s license
With one passenger in your front seat, and only as many back-seat passengers as there are seat belts in your vehicle
Only with your instructional permit on your person at all times (failure to carry your instructional permit will cause you to lose your eligibility for an IL driver’s license until you are 18 years old

You may NOT operate a motor vehicle:

Between 10 PM and 6 AM (Sunday – Thursday)
Between 11 PM and 6 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Use a cell phone at any time (NO texting, NO calling)

Be advised that you can’t commit any traffic violations during your instructional permit phase, or else you will be subject to an additional waiting period of 9 months before you can apply for your IL driver’s license. Be advised that local curfews may be different than the state-imposed restrictions and you MUST follow your local curfews.

Obtaining Your Initial Illinois Driver’s License

If you are at least 16 years old and have held your IL instructional permit for at least 9 months without any traffic violations, you are eligible to obtain your initial Illinois provisional driver’s license. You need to have already completed your Driver’s Ed course, and you will need to take and pass an IL DMV road test at the time you apply.

To apply for your initial Illinois driver’s license, visit your IL Driver Services Offices with your parent or legal guardian and present the following:

Your current Illinois learner’s permit
Proof of completion of your driver’s education course (many course providers also electronically report to the SOS)
An Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive (Form DSD X 174) Your parent/guardian is required to be present to sign this form. If they are not able to accompany you, they must complete this form and have it notarized for you to submit.
Proof of completion for your behind-the-wheel driving hours. If you used the 50-hour Practice Log (Form DSD X 152). You can submit this form as proof of your behind-the-wheel driving hours.
Acceptable proof of identity
Payment for the $30 IL driver’s license fee (if your learner’s permit has not yet expired before you apply for your driver’s license, you don’t owe this fee.)

Be advised that you need to pass the behind-the-wheel driving test before the SOS will issue your initial driver’s license. You need to make sure you bring proof of the vehicle registration and liability insurance for the vehicle you’ll be using to complete the test.

Illinois Initial Driver’s License Restrictions

With a provisional IL driver’s license, you can only operate a motor vehicle under the following restrictions:

You are NOT permitted to drive between 10 PM and 6 AM (Sunday – Thursday) and between 11 PM and 6 AM (Friday and Saturday).
For the first 12 months (or until you turn 18 years old), you are only permitted to drive with 1 passenger under 20 years old who is NOT a member of your immediate family.
You are required to be conviction-free for 6 months before turning 18 years old and receiving your full driver’s license; otherwise, your restrictions will be extended
You are not permitted to use a cell phone at any time while operating your vehicle unless it is for emergency purposes. You may not text and drive at any point, regardless of the circumstances.

Be advised that your local curfews may differ from the state-imposed restrictions. You need to follow your local curfews unless otherwise directed by law enforcement.

Obtaining Your Full Illinois Driver’s License

When you reach 18 years old and don’t have any traffic violations for the last 6 months, you will be eligible for full driving privileges in the state of Illinois. Now, you are permitted to driver without any curfew or passenger restrictions.

You are not allowed to drive while using a handheld device and you still can’t use a hands-free device while driving until you are at least 19 years old, and you can NEVER text and drive. Your IL driver’s license will be valid until 3 months after you turn 21 years old.

Obtaining Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Illinois

As a new resident of the state of Illinois, you are permitted to operate a motor vehicle with your out-of-state driver’s license for a maximum of 90 days.

To apply for your IL driver’s license, you need to visit your local IL SOS Driver Services Facility and present:

Your out-of-state driver’s license (you are required to surrender your old driver’s license)
Proof of ID

You can legally operate a motor vehicle with your out-of-state driver’s license for 90 days. To apply for your Illinois driver’s license, you must visit your local SOS Driver Services Facility with your out-of-state driver’s license. You will surrender your old driver’s license. You must also present the required proof of ID and payment for all applicable IL driver’s license fees.

You also need to be prepared to pass the Illinois vision and written exams. The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) generally does not require driving tests for residents of Illinois who are new to the state with a valid out-of-state driver’s license. However, these agents reserve the right to choose whether you are required to take any of the driving tests.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, there are different types of documents that are acceptable for identification purposes when you’re applying for your IL driver’s license. These acceptable documents are:

Birth certificate
Certificate of Naturalization
Passport
Permanent resident card
A foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration date must be more than two months from the date you visit the office).

Examples of acceptable full name verification documentation include:

Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
Name change documentation containing your legal name both before and after
Marriage certificate
Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order

Examples of acceptable residency documentation include:

Resident utility bills (including cell phone bills)
Insurance documents
Bank statement (dated within 90 days prior to application)
Canceled check (dated within 90 days prior to application)
Credit report (issued by Experience, Equifax or TransUnion (dated within 12 months of application)
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
Pay stub or electronic deposit receipt
Pension or retirement statement

In this instance, a legal guardian, parent, or child can use a birth certificate. A spouse or domestic partner can use a marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate to trace their relationship to the individual to whom the acceptable residency documentation was addressed.

The Illinois Written Examination and Road Test

Taking the Illinois Written Exam

The Illinois written examination consists of 35 questions. You must answer 28 of these questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply for this exam is 15. The IL written examination is based on the Official 2022 Illinois Driver Handbook.

Taking the Illinois Road Test

The state of Illinois also has a road test that IL drivers must pass. This road exam is used to determine your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of Illinois. You will be tested on how well you can turn, park, use your turn signals, follow traffic signs and road laws, and more.

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, non-commercial driver’s licenses are required if you wish to operate a vehicle that is not considered a traditional vehicle, such as a not-for-hire travel trailer, motor home or RV.

If you need to apply for a Class C driver’s license, you must follow the same steps you would if you were applying for a traditional Class D driver’s license, with a few minor exceptions. The state of Illinois has special driving permits for vehicles such as childcare vehicles.

You will need to complete and submit a Medical Examination Report (Form 649-F). Be prepared to pay a fee of $60 for the IL commercial driver’s license application fee.

Once you have met these requirements, the IL DMV will issue your non-commercial Class C driver’s license. Keep in mind that the same restrictions apply when you are operating a traditional motor vehicle, except the accompanying driver must have a full non-commercial Class C driver’s license.

If you want to upgrade your non-commercial Class C driver’s permit to a full driver’s license, you will need to:

Schedule an appointment with the IL CDL office (take your non-commercial vehicle with you)
Pass the pre-trip and safety inspections
Pass the Illinois skills and driving exams

Once you pass the required exams, the IL DMV will give you a temporary license until you receive your permanent IL driver’s license in the mail. If you don’t receive your permanent IL driver’s license in the mail within 4 weeks, contact the DMV at (618) 877-2451 to check your IL permit status.

Married, Divorce, or Name Change?

You may need to provide name change documentation in Illinois if you’re applying for a new IL driver’s license or identification card. Keep in mind that you may be required to submit a name change document(s), such as a valid marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification documents is different from the name provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name. Examples of documentation that establish your true full name can include the following:

A valid marriage certificate
Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A declaration, certificate, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership that contains the legal name as a result of a court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Illinois Residents?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current IL driver’s licenses or ID will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases, and secure federal facilities until May 3, 2023.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Illinois?

No. Obtaining a REAL ID or driver’s license is optional. If you attain a valid U.S. passport or passport card, military ID or other federally approved identification, you can use it as your primary form of identification to board a domestic flight or to enter military bases or secure federal facilities.

If you will not be boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base or secure federal facility, you are not required to obtain a REAL ID or REAL driver’s license. You do not need a REAL ID or REAL driver’s license to do any of the following:

Drive
Vote
Open a bank account
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, etc.)
Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (ex. Post office)
Visit a hospital

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card in Illinois?

There are different steps you need to take to apply for a REAL ID card in the state of Illinois. Although these types of ID cards are not yet mandatory, it’s good to have in different situations.

To successfully apply for a REAL ID card, you need to take the following steps:

Provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status – You need to bring one of the following documents:
- An original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Employment authorization document (Form I-766)
- A permanent resident card (Form I-551)
- An unexpired foreign passport with affixed visa and approved (Form I-94)

Click here for a list of acceptable identification documents.

Provide proof of your full social security number (SSN) – You need to bring one of the following documents:
- A social security card
- W-2 pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt bearing your name and full SSN
- SSA-1099 Form
- Non-SSA-1099 Form

All documents you present must be original.

Provide 2 proofs of residency documentation – You need to bring two of the following:
- Utility bill
- Rental agreement
- Mortgage bill
- Medical document

Hard copy documents are required in this instance. Images from a cell phone will not be accepted. However, you can print the image, such as a bank statement, and provide the printed copy.

Provide proof of signature – This proof can include the following documentation:
- Credit/debit card
- Canceled check or current IL driver’s license or identification card

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Illinois

If you’re considering becoming a truck driver for hire, whether it’s as a career or short-term, you must obtain an Illinois commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are strict state and federal requirements for operating a commercial vehicle that requires drivers to take certain steps in order to be eligible for an Illinois commercial driver’s license.

Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Illinois

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has designated different classes of commercial driver’s licenses, including:

Class A CDLs – Required for operating multiple vehicles over a certain combined weight, such as a tractor-trailer
Class B CDLs – Applies to single vehicles over a specific weight, such as a school bus
Class C CDLs – Required for driving all other vehicle types over a certain weight that aren’t covered by a Class A or Class B CDLs.

Endorsements and Restrictions in Illinois

The FMCSA requires additional certifications, referred to as endorsements, for operating certain types of commercial vehicles.

You can apply for an endorsement for:

Tank vehicles
Passenger vehicles
HAZMAT vehicles
Double or triple trailers
School buses

Be advised that a restriction can be placed on your IL CDL that prevents you from operating certain commercial vehicles for different reasons, such as testing in the wrong type of commercial vehicle for your CDL class.

CDL Testing Requirements in Illinois

The Illinois knowledge and skills exams you will be required to complete will vary depending on the class of commercial driver’s license you’re applying for and whether you’re applying for an endorsement. However, the following tests will generally be included in the application process for every class of CDL:

General knowledge written test
Combination knowledge written test
Air brake knowledge written test (if applicable)

You can contact your local IL Secretary of State (SOS) office for more information regarding the tests you will be required to take.

Illinois CDL Medical Exams

To obtain your IL commercial learner’s permit, you will need to prove that you’re medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. The FMCSA requires all CDL applicants to pass a medical examination and complete a Medical Examination Report (Form 649-F). This form must be completed by you and your doctor.

You are also required to self-certify to the IL SOS that you are medically able to drive a commercial vehicle. Once you have established your health, you will be issued a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. This certificate must be valid and, on your person, while you’re operating a commercial vehicle for you to maintain your CDL. Click here to learn more information regarding how to self-certify and receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

CDL Fees in Illinois

The Illinois Office of the Secretary of State currently charges the following fees for CDLs and related products:

Original or renewal commercial learner’s permit: $50 (adding or removing an endorsement, restriction: $5)
Original, renewal, or transferred commercial driver’s license: $60 (adding or removing an endorsement or restriction: $5)
School bus permits: $4

How to Apply for a CDL in Illinois

To qualify for a CDL in the state of Illinois, you are required to:

Be at least 18 years old
Currently obtain a valid non-CDL driver’s license
Be able to provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.

Be advised that Illinois commercial driver’s license holders who are under the age of 21 may only drive within the state of Illinois. Individuals who obtain an IL CDLs who are 21 years of age and older may drive out-of-state and operate a commercial motor vehicle that transports passengers.

If you have obtained a CDL from a different state and wish to transfer it to the state of Illinois, you will follow the same process as a first-time CDL applicant in Illinois.

Be advised that the IL SOS will not issue commercial driver’s licenses to Canadian or Mexican citizens. If you are a resident of either of these countries and you wish to obtain a CDL in the state of Illinois, you will be required to first obtain a U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Illinois Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you are permitted to apply for a full CDL in the state of Illinois, you are required to first obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

To obtain a commercial learner’s permit in the state of Illinois, you will need to:

Pass the appropriate knowledge exams
Submit to a review of your driving record (the FMCSA requires the past 10 years of your driving record to be checked. Your driving record will be checked for all 50 states and the District of Colombia).

You will need to bring the following to the appointment:

1 document that proves legal presence in the U.S. (this document must be appropriate to your category of application: U.S. citizen, non-domiciled resident, or lawful permanent resident). Check the list of acceptable documentation here.
Proof that you are medically qualified to apply for a commercial driver’s license
The $50 CLP processing fee

Once you successfully pass the knowledge tests, you will receive your commercial learner’s permit from the IL Secretary of State. Your CLP is valid for 1 year. You can renew it a maximum f 30 days before and 5 days after its expiration date without being required to retake the knowledge exams for an additional $50.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Practice

Illinois commercial learner’s permits only allow you to drive on public roads with a CDL holder. You are required to hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before you can apply for your full Illinois commercial driver’s license.

Obtaining Your Illinois CDL

Once you’ve had your commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days, you will be eligible to apply for your IL CDLs. You will need to schedule another appointment with the IL SOS and be prepared to take the skills/driving tests necessary for the class of CDL you’re applying for.

Be sure to bring a vehicle of the same type you plan to drive on the roads of Illinois. You will also be required to pay the $60 commercial driver’s license processing fee. Once you’ve obtained your CDL in Illinois, you will need to renew it every 4 years.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements in Illinois

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the IL SOS, which means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

Non-exempted Interstate
Excepted Interstate
Non-Excepted Intrastate
Excepted Intrastate

Applying for an Illinois Motorcycle License

All licenses in the state of Illinois are handled by the IL Secretary of State office. To legally operate a motorcycle in Illinois, you are required to have a valid IL Class M license or permit. A Class M license includes any motorcycle over 150 CC. A Class L license denotes a motor-driven cycle with less than 150 CC displacement. Keep in mind that having a Class M license allows you to ride any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

If you are at least 18 years old, you can apply for a 12-month Class L or M instruction permit that allows you to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle with certain restrictions. If you do not currently obtain a valid IL driver’s license, you need to take the written basic knowledge exam and the written motorcycle knowledge exam, and a vision test.

To obtain this motorcycle or motor-driven cycle permit, you need to visit your local IL SOS Driver Services office and:

Present your IL driver’s license (if applicable)
Present proof of identification and Illinois residency (applicable if you do not yet obtain an IL driver’s license
Submit a permit application
Complete any required exams (written basic, written motorcycle, and/or vision)
Pay the applicable permit fee

Obtaining a Class M 12-month instruction permit permits you to only operate a motorcycle during daylight hours under the direct supervision of a licensed motorcycle driver who is at least 21 years old and who has a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.

Class L or M Permit for Riders Under 18

If you are 16 or 17 years old and have completed driver’s education, you are eligible to apply for a 24-month Class L instruction permit for a motor-driven cycle.

To apply for a Class M permit when you are 16 or 17 years old, you must be enrolled in a motorcycle training course and complete the written knowledge exam at the SOS.

You can make an appointment at your nearest IL Secretary of State office location to apply for your permit and present the following:

Proof of identification and IL residency
An application for Class L and M permit
Proof of enrollment in an IDOT motorcycle training course
Payment for all applicable permit fees

Once you pass the written knowledge exam, you will receive your Class M motorcycle permit. With this permit, you are only permitted to drive during daylight hours while being supervised by a licensed driver of a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle.

Illinois Class L or Class M Motorcycle License

The process for obtaining a Class L or Class M endorsement is the same for either license. If you choose to complete an IDOT-approved Motorcycle Safety Course, you will be exempt from the IL written and driving exam that is required to obtain your Class L or Class M motorcycle endorsement.

Otherwise, you can prepare for the exams by studying the IL Motorcycle Operator Manual and taking practice tests.

To receive your IL motorcycle or motor-driven cycle endorsement, you need to visit an SOS Driver Services location and:

Provide proof of identification
Present a completion card from a Motorcycle Rider Education course (if applicable) – Applicants who are 16 and 17 years old are required to complete the Motorcycle Rider Education course to become eligible for a Class M license. You are also required to take the on-cycle skills exam. Applicants who are at least 18 years old can present a course completion card to waive both the written and on-cycle driving tests.
Complete the written and driving exams (unless you are presenting a certificate of completion from an IDOT motorcycle safety course
If you do not currently have a valid IL driver’s license, you are required to also pass the basic written exam and behind-the-wheel test
Pass a vision exam
Pay the $10

To waive the exams, you are required to present a completion card form an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education course. This completion card is valid for 1 year.

Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle License

You can visit any IL SOS to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license. To save time, it’s best to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that you may be required to provide proof of passing an approved motorcycle safety course.

In general, you need to provide:

Your original birth certificate or passport
Driver’s license
Complete any required applications
Pay all applicable IL motorcycle transfer fees

Illinois DMV Locations

There are different DMV locations in the state of Illinois where you can obtain an IL driver’s license and handle other licensing situations. Here is a list of different DMV locations in Illinois.

Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles – Schaumburg Branch
1227 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(312) 793-1010

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (8:30 AM – 5 PM)
Wednesday (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles – Edwardsville Branch
1502 A Troy RD
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 656-8956

Tuesday (8 AM – 5:30 PM)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (7:30 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)

Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles – Aurora Branch
339 E. Indian Trail
Aurora, IL 60505
(312) 793-1010

Tuesday – Friday (8 AM – 5:30 PM)
Saturday (7:30 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)