APPLYING FOR AN ILLINOIS DRIVER’S LICENSE
This is a basic guide to assist through the process of applying for your Illinois State Driver’s License. If you need more
detailed information please review the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com/.
Please be aware that at times the DMV will not be able to process your application directly at their location. When you
present the correct documents to the DMV they will process your information into their system. If the immigration
screen does not allow them to process further then they will then copy all of your documents and send to Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) for further processing. This clearance check can take up to approximately 8 weeks.
Be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on an
authorized stay;
Visit the DMV (address and hours below);
Surrender licenses and/permits from other states;
Present Liability Insurance Card (if taking driving exam);
Pass the appropriate exams (review the Rules of the Road book);
Type of Exams: vision, written and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam.
Pay the appropriate fee via cash, check or debit/credit card.
You must bring a car with proof of auto insurance to take the driving exam.
Present proper identication documents (see list below)
NOTE: You will need to wait a few weeks after classes start to get your license if applying for the license in your rst semester of classes.
NOTE: The DMV is obligated to ask each applicant if they would like to register to vote. Your response must be no, as it is illegal
for you to register to vote when you are not a citizen of the United States. If you say yes, it could lead to problems for future visa or
Permanent Resident applications.
TO RECEIVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE AT THE AGE OF 18 OR OLDER YOU MUST:
Passport
I-94 print out (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
Most recent version of your I-20 or DS-2019. If you have transferred to
the University of Illinois directly from another school in the U.S. you must show
both your prior school’s I-20 used for entry to the U.S. and your University of
Illinois I-20.
TWO items from the following list to show Proof of Address:**
__ Lease agreement with address listed, your name and signature of
the landlord;
__ Utility Bill (electric, water, cell phone, etc., issued within 90 days
of application);
__ Tuition invoice/ocial mail from college or university dated within
12 months prior to application;
__ Renter’s insurance policy.
**NO PERSONAL MAIL ACCEPTED
NOTE: The DMV may collect copies of all your documents and send for review
to DHS.
DOCUMENTS TO PRESENT:
Champaign Driver’s License Oce:
2012 Round Barn Road
Champaign, IL 61820
Telephone: (217) 278-3344
Oce Hours:
CLOSED Sunday and Monday
Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NOTE: Monticello and Rantoul, Illinois also have
driver’s license oces which tend to be less busy
than the Champaign oce. You may get your
license at those facilities, too.
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VISIT DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICE:
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