What the Des Plaines DMV Office Handles

The Des Plaines DMV facility is one of the Illinois Secretary of State's driver services offices, located at 1500 East Touhy Avenue. It handles standard driver's license and ID card transactions for residents in the northern Chicago suburbs. You can renew or replace a driver's license, get a state ID card, take a written or road test, or update your address without traveling downtown.

This office does not issue vehicle titles or registration documents — those transactions happen at a separate facility or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. If you need vehicle-related services, you will need to visit a different location or use the online portal.

The Des Plaines office is busier than smaller satellite locations but typically less crowded than downtown Chicago facilities. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week, with mid-morning on weekdays generally moving faster than afternoons or Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Des Plaines DMV is located at 1500 East Touhy Avenue and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and testing but not vehicle registration or titles.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current driver's license or ID card to most transactions.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings, with hours that change seasonally — check the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.
  • Road tests at this location book weeks in advance, so schedule early if you need to take a driving exam.
  • Address changes can be done online, by mail, or in person, and the online method is fastest if your current license is not expired.

Hours and How to Check Before You Visit

The Des Plaines office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. These hours can shift during holidays or for maintenance, so the Illinois Secretary of State website is your source of truth before making the trip.

You can find current hours and any temporary closures on the Secretary of State's office locator tool at cyberdriveillinois.com. Search for "Des Plaines" or use the zip code 60016 to pull up the exact facility details. The same page shows which services are available at that location and typical wait times during different hours.

Arriving early in the morning — between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on a weekday — usually means a shorter wait. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon, when the office fills up with people on their breaks or after work.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on what you are doing, but most transactions require three things: a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and your current driver's license or ID card. A valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license counts as identification. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

If you are renewing your license and your address has not changed, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office. Check the Secretary of State website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal — most people with current, non-expired licenses can renew this way.

For a road test, bring your current learner's permit, a valid form of ID, and proof of residency. The vehicle you test in must be registered, insured, and in working condition. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you.

Road Testing and Written Exams at Des Plaines

The Des Plaines office administers both written knowledge tests and road tests. Written tests are usually available within a few days of your visit, but road tests book several weeks in advance because demand is high in the Chicago area. If you need a road test, call ahead or check online to see the current wait time before you go.

For a written test, bring your learner's permit and a valid ID. The test takes about 30 minutes. You will sit at a computer terminal and answer questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need a passing score to move forward with a road test.

Road tests are scheduled appointments and last about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers, drive on local streets, and demonstrate your understanding of traffic laws. Bring the vehicle you plan to use, your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and proof of registration. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.

Address Changes: In-Person, Online, or By Mail

You can update your address on your driver's license or ID card in three ways: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the Des Plaines office. Online is the fastest if your current license is not expired — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

To change your address online, go to cyberdriveillinois.com, log into your account, and follow the prompts. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. There is no fee for an address change.

If you prefer to do it in person at Des Plaines, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The office will update your record on the spot, and you will receive your new license by mail. By mail, you can send a completed form DL 505 (Address Change) along with a copy of your current license and proof of residency to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen License

If your driver's license or ID card is lost or stolen, you can replace it at the Des Plaines office. Bring a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and a completed form DL 44 (process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit). You can fill out the form online before you go or complete it at the office.

A replacement license costs $30 and is mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license — they can issue one on the spot, though it is valid for only 30 days.

If your license was stolen, consider reporting it to the police and keeping a copy of the report. Some offices ask for this when replacing a stolen ID, though it is not always required.

Parking and Getting to the Des Plaines Location

The Des Plaines office is located at 1500 East Touhy Avenue, near the intersection of Touhy and Potter Road. There is a parking lot on site with free parking. The facility is accessible by car from the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and local streets.

Public transit is available through Pace bus service, which serves the Des Plaines area. Check the Pace website for routes and schedules to 1500 East Touhy Avenue. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, search for "Illinois Secretary of State Des Plaines" to get turn-by-turn directions.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking into the building. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license without going to the Des Plaines office?

Yes, if your current license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you can renew online or by mail. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $30; your new license arrives in one to two weeks. Check the Secretary of State website to see if you are may be able to access before you visit the office.

How far in advance do I need to book a road test?

Road tests at Des Plaines typically book three to six weeks in advance, depending on the season. Call the office or check the online scheduling system to see current availability. Weekday morning slots often have shorter waits than weekend times.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one business day before scheduling another attempt. You will need to pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires a new appointment.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Des Plaines office?

Appointments are not required for most services like license renewal or address changes, but the office uses a ticket system — you take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. For road tests and written exams, you must schedule an appointment in advance through the Secretary of State website or by calling the office.

What should I do if the office is closed when I need to renew my license?

If your license is expiring soon and you cannot visit during office hours, renew online or by mail. Both methods take one to two weeks, so start the process at least three weeks before your expiration date. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and is the fastest option.