What Do You Take To Illinois SOS To Get Your Driver's License

If you have met the age requirements and are getting ready to apply to get your driver's license in Illinois, then you might be wondering what do you take to Illinois SOS to get your driver's license. You don't want to forget something and delay the process even more, so make sure to use our checklist below.

Documents Needed Depend On Age

When it comes to getting your driver's license in Illinois, what is needed depends on your current age and situation. Here is a breakdown of what you need to bring with you to the SOS office.

Under 18 Years Old

Once you have completed all of the Driver's Ed requirements, including the 30-hour classroom course, six hours of driving lessons, and 50 hours of driving practice, then you are eligible to take the behind-the-wheel driving test if you are at least 16 years of age and have held your instruction permit for nine months.

When taking the behind-the-wheel test, you must have/complete the following:

• Must have completed a state-approved driver education course
• Parent/legal guardian must accompany teen to provide written consent to obtain a driver’s license, OR complete and notarize an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form
• Proper identification must be presented at a Secretary of State facility so they can verify your full name, date of birth, social security number, Illinois residency and written signature. See Acceptable Identification Documents.
• Pass a vision screening test
• Pass the road test

18 to 20 Years Old

If you are between 18 and 20 years old, then you have a different set of rules to follow. These are:

1. Complete an approved Adult Driver Education six-hour course

• You are able to take the course online if you have not yet taken any driver education and will be applying for your license over the age of 18.
• Adults ages 18 to 20 are not required to take any official behind-the-wheel training before applying for their license.
• Students can complete the course as early as age 17 and 3 months so they are completed and ready to apply when they turn 18.

2. Visit a SOS Driver Services facility with First Time Issuance services for Drivers Licenses. You can use the Facility Finder on the SOS website to find the SOS Driver Services location closest to you.

3. Show the required identification documentation and have your photo taken.

4. Pay the appropriate fees.

5. Pass the required exams:

• Vision Screening
• Written Exam
• Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test

Over 21 Years Old

If you are 21 years of age or older and you are applying for a license for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

• Pass the written licensing exam
• Pass a vision and hearing test
• Pass the behind-the-wheel test

While you don't need to take the Adult Driver's Ed course, it will prepare you for the written exam you have to take and pass at the SOS office when applying for your license.

Driver Had Out Of State License

If you had a license in another state and are applying for a driver's license in Illinois now, you must do the following:

1. Apply in person at a SOS facility.

2. Bring documentation to verify the following (See Acceptable Identification Documents):

• Your legal name
• Your signature
• Your date of birth
• Your social security number
• Your residential address in Illinois

3. Complete the application form, which is not available online and must be picked up from the SOS facility.

4. Pass the vision and written exam

5. Surrender your out-of-state driver's license

6. Pay the driver's license fee

7. Have your picture taken

You are on that final push to get your driver's license, so make sure you have everything in hand and completed before heading to the SOS office in Illinois!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's license journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.