In May 2016, The Illinois Secretary of State's office began centrally issuing drivers licenses, ID cards and Commercial Learners Permits. The new card is being sent to you through the mail. If you have not received your permanent card after 15 business days, you can check the status by entering your information below. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in eleven different languages, including English. This document came into existence by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the United States and other foreign countries.

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you also have a valid driver's license issued by your state. It is also recognized as a valid form of identification in over 175 countries as well as by many major car rental companies internationally.

Getting an International Driver's Permit (sometimes incorrectly called a license) can take anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on whether you're going through walk-in processing or applying via mail, so make sure to plan ahead if you're planning to drive on your international trip. There are only two locations in the United States that issue these documents: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Where to Get One

In the United States, International Driver Permits (IDPs) are only issued by the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance, and the State Department recommends against purchasing an IDP from other outlets as they are all entirely illegal to purchase, carry, or sell.

IDPs can be issued to anyone over 18 who has had a valid drivers license for six months or longer, and they typically remain valid for one year or the expiration of your existing state driving license, it's important to investigate an IDP before your trip and make sure you know the requirements.

Both AAA and AATA are excellent sources for these documents, so once you've selected a provider, go to either the AAA's or NAATA's website, print out the International Driving Permit Application, complete all applicable fields, and submit it.

Once you have the application completed, you can send it in via the mail or visit a local office of an organization like AAA; you'll also need two original passport-sized photos and a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver's license as well as an enclosed check for the fee.

Tips to Getting and Using Your Permit

AAA offices can process IDPs during your visit, but if you send the application in, processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days, though expedited services may be available to get your license within one or two business days for an additional fee.

When applying, you'll need a computer and printer, completed application, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport photos, and a check, money order, or credit card to complete the process, remember to bring these with you if you're applying in person.

Always make sure to carry your valid United State's driver's license when driving internationally as your IDP is invalid without this accompanying proof of eligibility to drive. IDPs only act as a translation of domestically-accepted licenses and do not allow those without government-issued driver's licenses to drive abroad.

You'll also want to make sure to enclose the proper fees (the fee for the IDP, as well as any shipping and handling fees), photos, and photocopies of your license when submitting your application to AAA or AATA as omitting any of these required documents will result in your application being rejected.

Driving License Online

You should also check the driving requirements and laws for the countries you will be driving in on your vacation so you'll know what will be required in the event you get stopped by local authorities.

Cdl License Process

Moving from one state to another is up there on the list of stressful experiences. You have to find a place to live in a city you don't know, deal with a long-distance move of your belongings, and get to know your new city and neighborhood. Besides all that, you have to deal with getting a new driver's license, and registering your car, which is looked forward to by no one, ever.

If you're moving to Illinois, you can count yourself lucky. This state makes the process fairly simple, and fees are pretty reasonable, too. If you have a driver's license from another state, here's what you need to know to make getting a new driver's license in Illinois as easy as possible. Driver's licenses in Illinois are issued through the office of the ​​​Secretary of State.

City Of Chicago Drivers License

Illinois licenses are good for four years for drivers ages 21 to 80, two years for those ages 81 to 86, and one year for those who are 87 and older. You must also surrender your previous out-of-state license at the license office when you apply for an Illinois driver's license.

For teenagers who need to get their very first license, the process is a bit more complicated. New drivers should visit the Secretary of State's website for information about that step-by-step process. Teenagers cannot be fully licensed in Illinois until they are 18 years old.

Where to Go to Get a New License

Once you move to anywhere in Illinois, you can drive with a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days. After that, you legally have to make the switch and get an Illinois license. If you have a commercial license, you have just 30 days to make the switch. This can be done at any driver services facility operated by the Illinois Secretary of State's office that provides driver services.

Documents You Must Have

You'll need to have with you several documents to prove your identity, validate your signature, and prove that you are a permanent resident of Illinois.

• Proof of written signature (one of the following): A canceled check, major credit card, current out-of-state driver's license, or mortgage or lease documents
• Proof of date of birth (one of the following): A birth certificate, military identification card, or immigration or naturalization certificate
• Proof of Social Security number (one of the following): a Social Security card, military identification card, or military service record
• Proof of Illinois residency (one of the following): A lease agreement, utility bill, or voter registration card

Tests You Must Take

As in every state, you will have to take tests to prove your vision is good, that you know the driving laws of the State of Illinois, and that you are an accomplished driver.

• Vision screening: Required for all drivers and is done at the driver services facility
• Written test: Drivers are required to take a written test once every eight years unless you have no traffic convictions. Anyone with an accident on their record may be asked to take a written exam
• Driving test: Any driver who is 75 or older must take a driving exam