Driver's License or State ID

You can apply for an Illinois driver's license at the Secretary of State office in Galesburg, located at 1066 E. Losey. Its hours are:

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Phone: (309) 342-1154

The local Secretary of State office no longer requires appointments to get a driver’s license or ID card. 

To apply, you will need to provide a number of original documents.

You will need one document that proves each of the following: your written signature (Group A), your date of birth (Group B), and your Social Security Number (Group C). You will need two documents that prove your Illinois residency (Group D). One document can satisfy multiple requirements.

Suggested documents:

Written signature (Group A): Valid passport, Social Security card

Date of birth (Group B): Valid passport with complete date of birth, U.S. visa

Social Security Number (Group C): Social Security Card

Illinois residency (Group D): Bank statement (dated within 90 days before your application); Letter on official Knox letterhead (dated within 90 days before your application); tuition invoice or official mail from Knox (dated within 12 months before your application)

You should also bring your I-94 record with you.

Before you take the road test, you'll be required to take a written test. Read Illinois Rules of the Road to familiarize yourself with driving laws in the state of Illinois. You'll need to have an insured vehicle when you take the road test.

What is the REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. REAL ID cards have a star in the upper right corner to indicate compliance with federal standards.

F-1 international students are eligible to apply for a REAL ID in Illinois, but it is not required unless you plan to travel domestically by air or visit federal facilities that require it. If you do not have a REAL ID, you can still fly domestically using your valid, unexpired passport as identification.

To apply for a REAL ID in Illinois, you will need to bring additional documentation, including:

• Your passport
• Your visa
• Your I-20
• Your I-94
• Proof of Illinois residency (such as bank statement and pay stub)

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State REAL ID website for a full list of accepted documents and to learn more.