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The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) sorts acceptable documents into four groups: A (written signature), B (date of birth), C (Social Security number) and D (residency). For a first-time standard instruction permit you bring one document for each group. For a REAL ID you bring one each from A, B and C, plus two from D. Teens 15 to 17 also need driver education enrollment and a parent’s consent. Check the SOS’s Acceptable Identification Documents list before you go.
How many documents do I need for an Illinois permit?
| Group | Proves | Standard permit | REAL ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Written signature | 1 | 1 |
| B | Date of birth | 1 | 1 |
| C | Social Security number | 1 | 1 |
| D | Illinois residency | 1 | 2 |
The Illinois permit checklist
- Group A, signature: one document with your signature.
- Group B, date of birth: one document from the SOS Group B list.
- Group C, Social Security number: a document showing your full number, such as your Social Security card or a W-2.
- Group D, residency: one (standard) or two (REAL ID) documents showing your full Illinois home address, such as a bank statement, utility bill or pay stub. The address must match your application.
- Under 18: driver education paperwork. Your certified driver ed instructor signs the application. You or the instructor can submit it.
- Under 18: parent or legal guardian consent.
- Glasses or contacts. The vision standard is 20/40.
- $20 for an original Class D instruction permit. See Illinois license fees and test booking.
Document rules the SOS enforces
- Bring hard copies. The SOS scans every document, so it doesn’t accept images on your phone.
- No photocopies.
- Documents must be valid and within the time limits on the SOS list. One document can count for more than one group.
- Not accepted: your instruction permit or its receipt, college or university ID, insurance card, library card, personal mail, vehicle registration, a traffic ticket, an International Driving Permit, and FOID, concealed carry, fishing or hunting cards, among others.
- Each Group D document must show your full residence address.
- The facility can accept or refuse any document.
Teen requirements on top of the documents
Driver education enrollment (15 to 17)
At 15, 16 or 17 you can get an instruction permit only if you’re enrolled in an approved driver education course, or will start one within 30 days. A permit isn’t issued more than 30 days before the course begins. From 17 and 3 months, the SOS says you can apply for a permit without driver ed, but under 18 you still need driver ed for a license. Details: getting an Illinois instruction permit at 15 and Illinois driver education requirements.
Parent consent
A parent or legal guardian consents to your application. For the road test later, the SOS accepts consent in person or by notarized affidavit: if your parent or guardian can’t come with you, a legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 can sign the Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive.
Which documents can a teen use?
Teens rarely have bills in their own name, so check the SOS Group D list carefully before you go and bring a spare document in case one is refused. The list includes a report card, a certified school transcript, and a letter on official school letterhead dated within 90 days.
Standard or REAL ID?
REAL ID is optional. From May 7, 2025, a standard Illinois card isn’t accepted as federal ID for domestic flights, so you’d need a passport or another accepted ID. The only document difference at the permit stage is the second Group D residency proof. If you have the paperwork, getting a REAL ID now saves a later trip. The SOS has a separate REAL ID checklist. More: REAL ID and your first license.
Questions you may be asked when you apply
The SOS must ask some questions that have nothing to do with driving. From 16, you will be asked about joining the organ and tissue donor registry. You will also hear about voter registration, and you can ask for a veteran or Gold Star Family designation or join the Emergency Contact Database. Your signature registers any qualifying male aged 18 to 25 with the Selective Service if he is not already registered.
Non-citizens and newcomers
Illinois ended its Temporary Visitor Driver’s License on July 1, 2024. Applicants who can’t get a REAL ID can apply for a standard license marked “Federal Limits Apply”, which has its own document rules. See Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver’s License and moving from abroad and licenses regardless of immigration status.
Common questions
Can I show my documents on my phone?
No. The SOS needs hard copies to scan. Phone images aren’t accepted.
Do I need my Social Security card?
You need one Group C document showing your full number. The card or a W-2 are common choices.
How many proofs of address do I need?
One for a standard permit, two for a REAL ID.
Can I apply for my permit before driver ed starts?
Only within 30 days of the course start date.
Can I apply online?
First-time applicants apply in person at a DMV facility. At the busiest facilities, book an appointment first.
Where do I find the official document list?
On ilsos.gov: “Acceptable Identification Documents” and the “New/First-time Issuance Driver’s License/ID Card Checklist”.
Next: the Illinois permit test and Illinois permit practice test. Full journey: learning to drive in Illinois. Other states: US first permit documents checklist.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State, “2026 Illinois Rules of the Road” (DSD A 112, July 2026), Chapter 1 and Acceptable Identification Documents (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Acceptable Identification Documents” (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “New/First-time Issuance Driver’s License/ID Card Checklist” (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “REAL ID Checklist” (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Instruction Permit Requirements” (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Fees” (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “Graduated Driver’s License” (ilsos.gov)