The Des Plaines office location and what it handles
The Des Plaines Secretary of State office is located at 2701 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. This is a full-service facility that handles driver's license and ID card services, vehicle registration and title work, and CDL (commercial driver's license) testing. It is one of several Secretary of State locations in the Chicago area and serves residents across northern Cook County and surrounding communities.
This office does not handle all Secretary of State services. Notary public commissions, business filings, and UCC searches are handled at different locations or online. If you need a service this office does not provide, staff can direct you to the right place or you can check the Secretary of State website first to confirm where your specific task is handled.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Plaines office is located at 2701 East Touhy Avenue and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and CDL testing.
- Hours vary by service type — driver's license services typically run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but you should confirm current hours before visiting.
- You can call the office directly at (847) 294-4400 to ask about wait times, required documents, or whether a specific service is available that day.
- Bring original documents and proof of residency; the office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call or arrive.
- If the Des Plaines location is too busy or does not offer your specific service, other Cook County Secretary of State offices may be closer or have shorter wait times.
Phone number and how to reach the office
Call the Des Plaines Secretary of State office at (847) 294-4400. This line connects you to staff who can answer questions about hours, current wait times, required documents, and whether a particular service is available. Staff can also tell you if you need an appointment or if you can walk in.
The office is typically busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you choose when to visit. If you reach a busy signal, try again in a few minutes or call the main Secretary of State customer service line at 1-800-252-8980 for general information.
Hours and when to visit
The Des Plaines office is open Monday through Friday. Driver's license and ID card services typically operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally or for holidays. Vehicle registration and title services often follow the same schedule, but some services may close for lunch or have different end times.
The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because hours can change without notice, call (847) 294-4400 before you visit to confirm the office is open and that your specific service is available that day. The Secretary of State website also lists current hours for this location.
What documents to bring
Bring your original documents — not copies. For a driver's license or ID card, you will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, and a photo ID.
The exact documents required depend on your specific transaction. Call the office before you go to confirm what you need. Arriving without the right paperwork means a wasted trip. Staff at the office can also tell you if documents need to be notarized or if copies are acceptable for any part of your request.
Parking and accessibility
The Des Plaines office is located in a commercial area with parking available on-site and nearby. The building has accessible entrances and facilities for people with mobility needs. If you have questions about accessibility or need special accommodations, call ahead at (847) 294-4400 so staff can prepare.
Public transit options in Des Plaines include Pace bus service. If you are using transit, allow extra time for your visit and confirm the office is open before you leave home.
When to use other Cook County locations instead
If the Des Plaines office is too far away or has long wait times, other Secretary of State facilities in Cook County may serve you. Locations in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and other suburbs handle the same driver's license, ID, and vehicle services. Call the main customer service line at 1-800-252-8980 to find the location nearest you or to compare wait times.
Some services — like CDL testing — are only available at certain locations. If you need a specific service, ask when you call whether Des Plaines offers it or if you need to go elsewhere.
What to expect during your visit
Arrive with all required documents and be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours. You will check in at the front desk, receive a number, and wait to be called. The transaction itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach a window, depending on the complexity of your request.
Bring a valid photo ID even if you already have one on file. Staff will verify your information, process your request, and collect any fees. Payment methods typically include cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm what the office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at the Des Plaines office?
Most services are first-come, first-served, but some Secretary of State offices now offer appointment scheduling. Call (847) 294-4400 to ask whether appointments are available for your specific service. If appointments are offered, booking one can reduce your wait time significantly.
Can I renew my driver's license online instead of visiting in person?
Some renewals can be done online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than a year, you must not have changed your name or address, and you must not need a new photo. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit an office in person. Check the Secretary of State website or call (847) 294-4400 to see if your renewal qualifies for online processing.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency is required for driver's licenses and ID cards. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, call the office at (847) 294-4400 to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get a new driver's license after my visit?
If you receive your license at the office that day, you can use it when ready. If the office mails it to you, delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which option applies to your transaction before you leave.
Can I handle vehicle registration by mail instead of visiting the office?
Some vehicle registration renewals can be done by mail or online. New registrations and title transfers usually require an in-person visit. Call (847) 294-4400 or check the Secretary of State website to see whether your specific registration task can be handled without visiting the office.