Il Drivers License Number

If you are out of state, call the License and Medical Review Section at 217-782-2720 for information on receiving a temporary driver's license and/or an application for a duplicate driver's license to be mailed to you at your out-of-state address.You also may request a temporary driver's license and/or an application for a duplicate driver's license by emailing the Secretary of State's office with your full name, date of birth, Illinois driver's license number and out-of-state address. Illinois may have overflow digits, but if they do the information is not on your driver's license. This means that if Joshua William Smith is wanted by police and his driver's license number is flagged as such, Jack Wayne Snoddy may be briefly detained while the police check their records to sort out the shared number.

• Il Drivers License Number Code
• Illinois Drivers License Status Phone Number

Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, perhaps others

You might want to look at my disclaimer before using this information for anything important. You might want to see warning about fake ids before using this information to make a fake id.

This particular page focuses on the algorithm shared by Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin. For information onother states driver's license numbers see this page.

I've written programs so you can can calculate your license number basedon your personal information, or you can determine your personalinformation from your driver's license number:

State	Info to Number	Number to Info
Florida	Calculate Florida	Analyze Florida
Illinois	Calculate Illinois	Analyze Illinois
Wisconsin	Calculate Wisconsin	Analyze Wisconsin

Here is a Java applet for encoding these states.

A number of states encode your name, gender, and date of birth in yourlicense number. These include Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Thesestates use the same system of encoding, or very similar ones. Givensomeone's driver's license number from one of these states, you can takegood guesses at someone's name and exactly determine their gender and dateof birth. With someone's name, date of birth, and gender, you can guesssome or all of their driver's license number. (I expect this same systemapplies to State IDs, but I don't know.)

I'm not really sure why these numbers are designed so. A likely guessis that it allows a skilled bouncer to quickly identify sloppy fake ids.

When you remove the hyphens, these license numbers look like thefollowing:

The specific licenenses look like the following.

I'm told Florida uses a different system for state identifications. I don't know anything else about it.

Illinois State ID's simply move the initial letter to the end, but areotherwise calculated the same.

The segments are:

Segment	Example	Description
SSSS	F255	Soundex code
FFF	921	First name, middle initial
YY	50	Year of birth
DDD	094	Day and month of birth
NN	03	Overflow (not all states use this)

SSSS - Soundex code of your last name

Soundex is a hashing system for english words.You might want to look at further information onhow soundex works.

The example soundex is F255, so the example name starts withF, so the name starts with an F, followed by a gutteral orsibilant, followed by a nasal, followed by another nasal. Thisis correct, as the example person's last name is 'Fakename'

For my license generator, I simply implement this. For mylicense reverser, I simply take likely guesses. I also generatedthe Soundex code for the top 10,000 (ish) last names in the US,and I suggest the top 10 for any given code.

FFF - Encoded first name and middle initial

Look up your first name on this table:

Name	Code	Name	Code	Name	Code
Albert	20	Frank	260	Marvin	580
Alice	20	George	300	Mary	580
Ann	40	Grace	300	Melvin	600
Anna	40	Harold	340	Mildred	600
Anne	40	Harriet	340	Patricia	680
Annie	40	Harry	360	Paul	680
Arthur	40	Hazel	360	Richard	740
Bernard	80	Helen	380	Robert	760
Bette	80	Henry	380	Ruby	740
Bettie	80	James	440	Ruth	760
Betty	80	Jane	440	Thelma	820
Carl	120	Jayne	440	Thomas	820
Catherine	120	Jean	460	Walter	900
Charles	140	Joan	480	Wanda	900
Dorthy	180	John	460	William	920
Edward	220	Joseph	480	Wilma	920
Elizabeth	220	Margaret	560
Florence	260	Martin	560
Donald	180
Clara	140

If you fail to find your name, look up your first initial on this table:

Initial	Code	Initial	Code	Initial	Code	Initial	Code
A	0	H	320	O	640	V	860
B	60	I	400	P	660	W	880
C	100	J	420	Q	700	X	940
D	160	K	500	R	720	Y	960
E	200	L	520	S	780	Z	980
F	240	M	540	T	800
G	280	N	620	U	840

Now look up your middle initial on this table:

Initial	Code	Initial	Code	Initial	Code	Initial	Code
A	1	H	8	O	14	V	18
B	2	I	9	P	15	W	19
C	3	J	10	Q	15	X	19
D	4	K	11	R	16	Y	19
E	5	L	12	S	17	Z	19
F	6	M	13	T	18
G	7	N	14	U	18

Now, if add together the code for either your first name (ifpossible) or your first initial to the code for your middleinital.

So, the example FFF code is 921. Looking it up, it's William or WilmaA.If it had been 001, we would simply know at the their initialsare A. A. Since the example was generated for 'William AndrewFakename' this is correct.

Y-Y - Your birth year

The two numbers together represent the year of your birth. If you areborn in 1968, it should read '68'. This is the easiest information to pickout of a WDL, and is often used to spot fakes.

The example Y-Y code is 50. Mr. or Ms Fakename was born in 1950.

DDD - Month and day of birth and gender

This portion encodes the month and day you were born on. The generalequation is:

General: (birth_month - 1) * month_multiplier + birth_day + gender_mod

Florida: (birth_month - 1) * 40 + birth_day + (male:0, female: 500)

Illinois: (birth_month - 1) * 31 + birth_day + (male:0, female: 600)

Wisconsin: (birth_month - 1) * 40 + birth_day + (male:0, female: 500)

birth_month is the number of months into the year, January is 1,December is 12.

month_multiplier varies by state. Illinois uses 31. Wisconsin andFlorida both use 40.

gender_mod varies by state. In Illinois men use 0, women use 600. InWisconsin and Florida men use 0, women use 500.

If the result is less than 100, add zeroes to the left side to make it 3digits. (So, January 1st is encoded as '001' for men in Illinois.)

Mr. or Ms Fakename's code is 094. Assuming we're looking at an Illinoislicense number, because that's less than 600, we know Mr. Fakename is male.His name is probably William and not Wilma. We can subtract 93 from that,which is 31 three times. So three months into the year, April. Thatleaves 1 left, which is the day. Mr. Fakename was born on April 1, 1950.

Overflow

Looking at this, may become clear that it is possible for two peoplewith similar names to get the exact same driver's license number. Forexample, if 'Joshua William Smith' and 'Jack Wayne Snoddy' were born on thesame day, they'll get the same Illinois drive's license number. This issolved with 'overflow' numbers, a simple sequential number can be appendedto each duplicate number to resolve the confusion.

Wisconsin prints a two digit overflow number on your license.As a result, the last two digits of your Wisconsin license numberrepresent the number of people who had the same license number asyou (ignoring the last two digits), when you got your license.

Illinois may have overflow digits, but if they do theinformation is not on your driver's license. This means that ifJoshua William Smith is wanted by police and his driver's licensenumber is flagged as such, Jack Wayne Snoddy may be brieflydetained while the police check their records to sort out theshared number. I have been told that Illinois state databasesactually include a two or three digit number to distinguishbetween different people with the same license. Onecorrespondent told me that their friend was pulled over for aminor traffic violation and was arrested as someone else. He satin the police car for a while while they sorted it out. He andthe other person had the exact same number; the other guy was awanted man, but my correspondent's friend did not.

Florida prints a single digit overflow number on your license.As a result, the last digit of your Florida license numberrepresent the number of people who had the same license number asyou (ignoring the last two digits), when you got your license.

Urban Legends about Florida's Last Digit

There are number of urban legends about Florida driver'slicense overflow numbers. The legends claim that the numberrepresents the number of times you've been arrested for drunkdriving (DUI, DWI, etc), the number of times you've convicted fordrunk driving, the number of times you've been convicted of a felony, that it encodes driving restrictions (0means no restrictions, 1 means corrective eyewear is required),or that it encodes gender.

I don't believe it.

First, why bother? Who needs to know this information? Not acop arresting you; they'll arrest a drunk driver no matter what.Prior convictions only matter when you're in front of a judge,and the judge has access to the database. Unless Florida doessomething particularly weird, driving restrictions are (in moststates) clearly printed elsewhere, and the cop is going to runyour license anyway and will learn any restrictions that way.

Second, as noted above: if you don'thave overflow digits, you'll occasionally two people with theexact same driver's license number. Can you imagine what a messthat would be? Indeed, it's a mess in Illinois, see above.

Third, Wisconsin uses the exactsame system, and as a native of Wisconsin I am absolutely certainit is correct. (Oddly, there are no urban legends about this inWisconsin. It appears to be a strictly Florida thing.)

Finally, I've had people claim with absolute certainty all ofthe above. They can't all be true.My hypothesis matchesWisconsin's behavior and solves an important problem, so I'msticking with it until I see better evidence for anotherhypothesis.

Now, it's entirely possiblethat I'm wrong. If you're sure that I am, and can point me to areliable source to support an alternate theory, please let me know!Much of the information on this page comes from people whocontacted me with corrections.

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Getting a New Illinois Driver's License

You must obtain an Illinois driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

This page deals with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) requirements for:

• Illinois residents who are considered first-time driver license applicants.*
• New IL residents.
• Non-citizens living in Illinois.

NOTE: If you're a teenager, you must work your way through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which includes steps such as getting a learner's permit and passing Driver's Ed. Visit our Teen Drivers section for more information.

* During some situations—such as license revocation, cancellation, or long-term expiration—the IL SOS might direct you to apply for a new license when eligible.

Illinois REAL ID Driver's License

The Illinois SOS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2020, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—your standard license will not after this date. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or non-compliant ID upon application—details are outlined below.

New to Illinois?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You can drive with your out-of-state license for up to 90 days.

To apply for your IL driver's license, visit your local SOS Driver Services Facility with:

• Your out-of-state license. You must surrender your old license.
• Required proofs of ID.
  • See “Apply for Your IL Driver's License' below for details.
• Payment for applicable new driver's license fees (see “IL Driver License Fees' below).

Also, be prepared to pass the vision and written exams.

The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) doesn't generally require driving tests for new-to-Illinois residents with valid out-of-state driver licenses, but agents do reserve the right to choose whether you must take one. For more information, contact your Driver Services Facility.

Types of Illinois Driver Licenses

Illinois offers the following types of noncommercial Illinois driver licenses:

• Class D license (non-compliant and REAL ID-compliant):
  • Class D licenses are the most common licenses. They allow you to operate regular passenger cars and trucks.
• Restricted local driver licenses:
  • These licenses are given to residents in towns with small populations who only want to drive within certain local areas, such as to the grocery store.

See “Apply for Your IL Driver's License' to learn how to apply.

Other Licenses

Visit these pages if you need another type of Illinois driver's license:

• Teen Drivers (GDL).
  • Covers GDL requirements, learner's permits, and education requirements.
• Motorcycle License (or Class M).
  • Covers the requirements for getting a motorcycle license or Class M endorsement.
• Commercial Driver License (CDL).
  • Covers all the steps to getting a Class A, B, C, or D CDL.

Il Drivers License Number Code

Illinois Driver's License Eligibility Requirements

Generally, you're eligible for a new Illinois driver's license if you:

• Don't have a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver's license.
• Have a clear driver record.
  • Example: You wouldn't be eligible to apply for a new license if you have an expired driver's license and you have outstanding traffic ticket debts on your record.
• Have NOT been deemed unfit or unsafe to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways by a court or other authorized party.

Check our Driving Records and Suspended License pages for more information on getting your license back on track.

Apply for Your New Illinois Driver's License

The steps to apply for your license will vary based on the type of license you're applying for (Class D or restricted local license) as well as whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license.

IL Class D Driver's License

Q: Which license can I use to board an airplane?

A: One of the biggest ways the REAL ID act will affect most Americans is in domestic travel. After October 2020, you will NOT be able to use a standard (non-compliant) license as your proof of ID an airport. Only the REAL ID will be accepted. If you prefer a non-compliant license, you'll need to bring additional proof of identification (like your passport).

The Illinois Class D license is the license most Illinois drivers need. It allows you to operate regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.

To apply for a new Class D driver's license, visit your nearest Driver Services Facility and:

• Present the required ID documents. These documents cannot be photocopies. The IL SOS provides a complete list, but be prepared to show:
  • 1 document that satisfies Group A, B, and C.
    • Group A covers your written signature, such as a canceled check or passport.
    • Group B covers your Social Security number, including your Social Security Card or military discharge papers.
    • Group C covers your date of birth, such as a birth certificate or court order.
    • Group D proves your residency. Examples include bank statements or credit reports.
  • Proof of residency—This differs based on whether you want an Illinois REAL ID or non-compliant license. You'll need:
    • 2 documents for a federally compliant REAL ID driver license.
    • 1 document for a non-compliant license.
• Pass your vision exam, written permit test, and driving test.*
  • The IL SOS also doesn't require a learner's permit first, but you can request one to practice if you want.
  • Remember, new residents holding a valid driver's license will likely not need to take the driving test.
• Pay the applicable new driver's license fee.
• See “IL Driver License Fees' below.

NOTE: New drivers 18 through 20 years old who have not previously had a driver's license must complete an Adult Driver Education course in order to be eligible for a driver's license.

Pass The Written Test With Ease

If you want to prepare for the written exam the SOS suggests to study the Illinois Driver Manual. In addition we suggest using an online practice test from our certified partner. It's the best way to ensure passing on your first attempt.

Your new driver's license is validfor:

• 4 years, if you are 21 to 80 years old.
• 2 years, if you are 81 to 86 years old.
• 1 year, if you are 87 years old or older.

*You have 3 attempts to pass your written permit test and/or driving test(s) in a period of 1 year.

Medical Conditions

Generally, drivers with vision, physical, or mental health issues must complete (along with their medical professionals) a Medical Report (Form DSD DC-163).

Please contact your local Illinois Driver Services Facility if you're unsure whether your condition requires a report.

Restricted Local Driver's License in Illinois

Restricted local licenses are designed for people who live in low-population areas ( 3,500 people or less) and would like licenses to drive only within certain areas, for example to the local bank or grocery store.

You apply for a restricted local license the same way you apply for a new regular Class D driver's license (see above) EXCEPT you must also provide the route(s) within your small town you wish to travel for your driving test.

Once you leave the Illinois Driver Services Facility:

Illinois Drivers License Status Phone Number

• An agent forwards your application to the Special License Unit.
• Upon approval, you must pass a driving test involving the routes you want to travel.
• The Special License Unit will receive your results and, if you pass, mail you your restricted local driver's license.

Illinois Driver's License Fees

Fees for a new Illinois driver's license are as follows:

• 18 to 20 years old: $5.
• 21 to 68 years old: $30.
• 69 to 80 years old: $5.
• 81 to 86 years old: $2.
• 87 years old and older: Free.

Non-Citizens and New Illinois Driver's Licenses

A non-citizen driver's license in IL is called a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Note that NOT everyone is eligible.

You WON'T APPLY for a TVDL IF:

• You're eligible for a Social Security number.
• The U.S. Department of State Office of Foreign Missions requires you to obtain a regular Illinois driver's license.

You WILL APPLY for a TVDL if:

• You're a non-citizen with legal, temporary entry into the country.
• You're temporarily living in Illinois.
• You're ineligiblefor a Social Security number.
• You can provide U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services documentation verifying your legal presence.
• Your legal presence is authorized for at least 1 year and you have at least 6 months remaining.

Applying for a TVDL

To apply for an Illinois TVDL, visit your nearest Driver Services Facility and:

• Present the same ID documents as required of regular citizens (i.e. written signature, date of birth, residency) EXCEPT for the Social Security number.
• Provide a valid passport or consular identification card.
• Pass vision exam, written permit test, and driving test.
• Present proof that you've completed 6 hours of approved, adult driver education if you are between 18 and 20 years old.
• Pay the applicable fee.

Your TVDL expires after 3 years, or once your legal stay ends (whichever comes first).

Learner's Permits

The SOS doesn't require you to obtain a permit before taking your driving test; however, if you want a permit to practice, you must apply at a Driver Service Facility.

Forms

DSD DC-163

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form

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