To drive legally in Illinois you need a valid Illinois driver's license. Licenses are classified by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle you drive. The basic license for a car is Class D.
Know the rule
A driver seeking a basic license to operate a car in Illinois is issued a Class D license.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Illinois license classes
| Class | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Combinations with GCWR 26,001+ lbs, towing over 10,000 lbs |
| B | Single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs (may tow up to 10,000 lbs) |
| C | GVWR over 16,000 and under 26,001 lbs |
| C (also) | Built for 16+ passengers (incl. driver) or placarded hazmat |
| D | Any vehicle with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs or less |
| L | Motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc displacement |
| M | Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle |
Know the rule
Class D holders may also drive rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds to move their own or an immediate family member's personal property, for nonbusiness purposes, within Illinois.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Minimum age to get an Illinois driver's license
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
If a parent or guardian cannot come with a 16- or 17-year-old to the facility, an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive must be signed by a legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
A driver under age 18 may not drive any for-hire vehicle transporting property (such as delivery) or any vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license.
Handbook p. 8 ↗A driver under age 21 may not drive:
- A for-hire vehicle transporting more than 10 passengers
- A commuter van
- A religious organization bus or a school bus
- A vehicle transporting senior citizens
- A child care vehicle
Some people may drive in Illinois without an Illinois license, as long as they hold a valid license from somewhere else and fit one of the exemptions below.
You may drive without an Illinois license if you are:
- A new resident with a valid non-Illinois license (for a limited time, see below)
- Visiting or driving through Illinois with a valid license from your home state or country
- An out-of-state student at an Illinois college (you, your spouse and children)
- On active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces with a valid home-state license (plus spouse and dependent children)
- A U.S. government employee or service member on official business in a government vehicle
- Operating a road machine temporarily on the road, or a farm tractor between farm buildings and nearby farmland
New residents must get an Illinois license within 90 days or before their old license expires, whichever comes first
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Illinois residents serving outside the U.S. in the Armed Forces, or as civilian employees of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense, may drive for the first 120 days after returning if they obtained a license deferral. This includes their spouse and dependent children living with them.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Temporary Visitors Driver's Licenses (TVDLs) have not been issued since July 1, 2024. Anyone who was eligible for a TVDL can apply for a standard driver's license.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Restricted Local Driver's License
A special license for a driver who lives in a community of less than 3,500 residents and drives only within certain areas of that community.
Handbook p. 107 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Indiana to Chicago. Your Indiana license expires in five months. You must get an Illinois license within 90 days, because that deadline comes first.