Illinois Bill Bans Most Job Listings From Requiring A Driver’s License

Some job applications are about to look different in Illinois.

A lot of us have had to show our driver's licenses upon being hired somewhere but that could change in Illinois.

Fox 2 News reports that lawmakers in Springfield have passed a measure that would limit when employers are allowed to require an applicant to have a valid driver's license. The measure is led by State Rep. Gregg Johnson (D, East Moline).

House Bill 4758 would not allow employers or employment agencies to require applicants to have a driver's license unless it's a driving-based job.

And if the job does require driving, employers have to list why a driver's license is necessary on the posting.

The goal of the measure is to make jobs more accessible to people who don't have a means of personal transportation themselves like a car or a driver's license. It amends Illinois' Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act.

Rep. Johnson said it's intended to expand job access by preventing unnecessary requirements in hiring practices.

Supporters of the bill say it could help people get evaluated and hired based on their actual skill to do the job whether than if they hold a driver's license or not.

Meanwhile, the bill has cleared the General Assembly and is now headed to Governor Pritzker's desk for signature. If it's implemented, the measure could be put in place on January 1, 2027.

The bill was introduced in February and was sponsored by Democratic lawmakers in both the Illinois House and Senate.