Illinois “New Driver’s License Restrictions” Bill - Public Act 104-0776

The state best known as home to The Windy City continues turning its attention to regulations surrounding a common theme: driver’s licenses. In July 2026, the state enacted its new Road and Safety Act. Next on the agenda is Illinois Public Act 104-0776.

Despite often being described as a “new driver’s license restrictions” bill, Illinois Public Act 104-0776 has little to do with restrictions or new regulations for drivers themselves. The act focuses on employer requirements related to the use of driver’s licenses.

Public Act 104-0776 in a nutshell

Illinois Public Act 104-0776 is an amendment to the Illinois Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. Starting January 1, 2027, employers and employment agencies will face new limits on the requirement of a valid driver’s license from job applicants. Employers and employment agencies will no longer be allowed to include any statements in job postings requiring applicants to have a valid driver's license, unless driving is an essential function of the job posting and a business necessity.

If a driver’s license is necessary, the job posting must include a brief statement explaining why.

The purpose of the amendment

While the amendment itself does not state a purpose, State Senator Christopher Belt provided a public statement explaining its intent.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment… Requiring a driver’s license for jobs that do not involve driving unfairly shuts people out of the workforce. This is especially true for people living with disabilities and their families.”

How this affects employers and employment agencies

Act 104-0776 applies to employers with 15 or more employees in the current or preceding calendar year, as well as any agents acting on their behalf and to employment agencies, regardless of size.

Penalties

As an amendment to the Illinois Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, the Department of Labor will investigate alleged violations, and penalties will include:

• First violations: The Director of the Illinois Department of Labor will issue a warning to the employer or employment agency, including a notice regarding penalties for subsequent violations. Employers will have 30 days to remedy the violation.
• Second violations (or violations not resolved within 30 days of notice): The Director may impose a civil penalty of up to $500.
• Third violations (or violations not resolved within 60 days of notice): The Director may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,500.
• Subsequent violations (or violations not resolved within 90 days of notice): The Director may impose an additional civil penalty of up to $1,500 for every 30 days that pass without compliance.

For additional details and definitions regarding Illinois Public Act 104-0776, readers can take a closer look at the original text of the law here.

This content is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute legal opinion or advice. Consult your legal counsel to ensure compliance.