Governor JB Pritzker Signs HB 4758 Barring Employers from Requiring Drivers Licenses

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 4758 into law, enacting landmark amendments to the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act to prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring job applicants to possess a valid driver’s license unless driving is a bona fide occupational qualification for the position.

Removing Artificial Employment Barriers for Transit Commuters

The enacted legislation prohibits commercial employers from screening out qualified job candidates in online applications or interview screenings based on driver's license status, requiring employers to accept state non-driver identification cards, passports, or transit passes for identity verification. Workforce analysts project the law will expand employment access for over 250,000 transit-reliant workers, disabled individuals, and urban commuters across Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford.

Governor Pritzker affirmed that an individual’s ability to do a great job in an office, retail store, or hospital should never be blocked simply because they ride public transit rather than drive a personal car.

Labor Coalitions and Employer Guidance

Chicago Federation of Labor and disability rights advocates celebrated the enactment as a common-sense barrier reduction.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce worked with lawmakers to ensure clear statutory carve-outs for delivery drivers and field technicians.

Effective Date

House Bill 4758 takes full legal effect across all Illinois employers on January 1, 2027.