Medical/Vision Conditions

Medical/Vision Conditions Driver Services


By law, you must file a Medical Report Form, completed by your physician, if:

  • You have any medical or mental condition that may result in a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to safely drive a vehicle, or
  • You take any medications that may impair your ability to drive.

Each time you renew your driver's license you must resubmit a Medical Report Form. By law, you must notify the Secretary of State's office within 10 days of becoming aware of any of these conditions. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your driver's license and driving privileges. If the particular medical condition no longer exists, you must submit a final Medical Report Form completed by your physician indicating the condition no longer exists, in order to be removed from the follow-up program with this office.

Please send notification in writing to:
Secretary of State
Medical Review Unit
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL 62723

In order to protect the rights of all persons, the Secretary of State's office is only authorized to investigate potential medical conditions when reported by a licensed physician, member of law enforcement or member of the judicial system. These authorized reporters are not required to obtain the driver's signature on any documents submitted to this office when it is recommended that the driver should NOT be driving. If you know someone you feel could jeopardize traffic safety as the result of a medical condition, contact the individual's doctor or a police officer and request that the Secretary of State's office investigate.

If you have been medically diagnosed with a medical condition that may impair your ability to communicate with others, the Secretary of State’s Office offers restrictions to be placed on your driver’s license and an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Communication Wallet Card to be carried with a Person’s with Disabilities ID Card to notify law enforcement of your condition. Immediate notification to law enforcement of your condition through a restriction or the wallet card may help assist with communication.

You may submit a Vision Specialist Report completed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or physician, instead of an in-person vision screening at a Driver Services facility. Visual reading requirements are as follows:

  • The minimum requirement for visual acuity is 20/40 acuity with or without corrective lenses. Drivers with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving only.
  • You must have at least 140 degree peripheral vision (the ability to see to the side) to have a license without restrictions. This is with or without corrective lenses.
  • If you wear telescopic lenses, you must meet special requirements and undergo additional testing to receive your license.
  • You must take the completed Vision Specialist Report with you to your local Driver Services facility when you renew.

Driver's licenses may be awarded to some telescopic lens wearers for daylight driving meeting the following requirements. If you are a first-time telescopic lens wearer and have not taken the initial road exam, the Secretary of State's office will contact you to schedule a road exam after the office receives your Vision Specialist Report. All telescopic lens wearers must submit a Vision Specialist Report annually. If you have submitted a form in the past, the Secretary of State's office will mail you a Vision Specialist Report in advance. Telescopic lens wearer visual requirements are as follows:

  • Acuity readings through the carrier lenses must be 20/100 or better in both eyes.
  • Acuity readings through the lenses must be 20/40 or better in both eyes.
  • Peripheral readings must be 140 degrees binocular or 70 degrees temporal and 35 degrees nasal monocular.
  • You must be fitted for a prescription spectacle mounted telescopic lens arrangement and have had the arrangement in your possession for at least 60 days prior to driver's license application date.
  • The power of the lenses must not exceed 3.0X wide angle or 2.2X standard.

Telescopic lens wearers applying for nighttime driving privileges must submit a Vision Specialist Report in addition to a written request with your name, address, date of birth and driver's license number. You also must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a valid driver's license and have operated a motor vehicle during daylight hours for a period of 12 months using the telescopic lenses.
  • Have a driving record that does not include any traffic accidents that occurred during nighttime hours for which you were at fault during the 12 months before you apply for the nighttime license.
  • Successfully complete a road exam administered during nighttime hours.

Please send your request to:
Secretary of State
Medical Review Unit
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL 62723

If approved, you will be contacted by the Secretary of State's office to schedule the nighttime drive exam. For more information, please call 217-782-7246.