Normally one is not required to have a valid license but will need at least a state identification (ID) card to purchase a vehicle. There are those that are unlicensed due to a handicap, etc that want to buy a car in their own name but will have someone that is fully licensed drive them around.

So while you may buy a car without a valid driver's license you will normally need to have a licensed driver with you to drive the car off the dealer's lot and to obtain insurance for the vehicle since the insurance company will need a driving record to rate the policy on.

The Illinois Secretary of State does not mention that a person must be licensed to title or register a car however if you plan to purchase and register a vehicle in IL without a valid driver's license you should check with the IL SOS to find out more information on this situation.