Among the states that provide driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in the United States is Illinois. The driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants It is a document issued to immigrants who do not meet the requirements to obtain a regular license.
Immigrants (undocumented or not) who want to drive their vehicles legally in the state can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).
In this article you will learn what it is and how to obtain a license for undocumented immigrants in Illinois, where to do it, requirements, how much it costs, how long it is valid for and if it is possible to renew it.
What is a TVDL?
The TVDL or Temporary Visitor Driver's License is a document that allows foreigners to drive legally in the state of Illinois and other states in the country.
Previously it was only available to immigrants with legal immigration status who did not have a social security number. After the passage of state law SB 957 in 2013, illegal undocumented drivers can also obtain a TVDL in Illinois.
The driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants It can only be used to drive a vehicle, but not as an identification document. It is issued in Class D, L or M which authorizes a personal automobile, motorcycle or motor cycle.
Continue reading: Licenses in Virginia for undocumented immigrants
Requirements for a driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants or TVDL
The requirements to obtain a driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants are the following:
1. Prove name and date of birth with one of the following documents:
- Valid foreign passport
- Consular registration issued by an approved country (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala or Mexico). If you are from another country, the document must be verified with the Illinois State Police
2. Demonstrate a written signature with one of the following documents:
- Foreign passport (must be valid)
- Consular registration (if issued by one of the approved countries)
- Valid driver's license from the country of origin
- Court order (that has your signature)
- Credit card: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard or Visa
- A U.S. federal, state, or local government identification card.
- Mortgage/installment loan agreement
3. Proof of residency in the state. To obtain a driver's license for undocumented immigrants in Illinois, you must demonstrate that you have lived in the state for at least 12 months, with two of the following documents:
- bank statements
- Deed or title of property, mortgages, rental contracts
- Homeowner or renter insurance policy
- Medical bill or statement of benefits
- Mail from an official state, federal or municipal entity that has the name and address of the applicant
- Homestead exemption receipt
- Pension or retirement declaration
- Grades from elementary/middle school, high school, or college
- Registration receipt or other official mail (from a college or university)
- Public service receipt: water, electricity, toilet, telephone, etc.
4. Proof of current address with two of the following documents. You must prove that you have lived at your current address for at least 90 days before applying for an Illinois driver's license for undocumented immigrants.
- Bank account statement issued within the last 90 days
- Credit report issued by Equifax, Experian or TransUnion that is 90 days old
- Deed or title of property, mortgage, rental or rental contract
- Insurance policy
- Medical bill 90 days old
- Mail from an official state, municipal or federal entity that includes the name and complete current address
- Pension or retirement declaration
- Grades from elementary/middle school, high school, or college
- Registration receipt or other official mail (from a college or university)
- Service receipt: electricity, water, toilet, telephone, etc. 90 days old
- Military Selective Service Card
5. Name change (for example if you got married) with one of the following documents:
- A court order
- Marriage certificate
Keep reading: Can you obtain a CDL License for undocumented immigrants?
How to get a driver's license in Illinois without papers?
After meeting all the requirements for the driver's license for undocumented immigrants in Illinois, you can begin the application process.
The procedure to obtain a driver's license for undocumented immigrants is as follows:
- Make an appointment (only required for Chicago North and Chicago West)
- Prepare for exams (theory, practical and vision)
- Go to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office and follow the steps they tell you.
1. Appointment for driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants
To apply for a license for undocumented immigrants in Illinois, you can make an appointment before attending the Office of the Secretary of State. Appointments are only required in Chicago North and Chicago West.
You can call by phone at 855-2361155 or request it online through this link. Take the “License and ID Card Services” option.
Retrieved from ilsosappt.cxmflow.com
On the next online Illinois driver's license appointment screen, you must indicate that you are making an “advance appointment” and then click on the office of your choice.
Choose one of the dates and times that are available, and finally provide your personal information: name and surname, email and telephone number.
2. Illinois driver's license exam
You must prepare for the exams you are going to take:
- For the eye exam, make sure you have the correct prescription glasses (if you need glasses)
- For the theoretical exam you can take an online driving course and study the Illinois driving manual in Spanish that you can find at this link
- Prepare for the practical exam. Those under 20 years of age must take a 6-hour training course at an authorized driving school.
3. Go to the Illinois Secretary of State's office
On the day of the appointment you must attend punctually with all the necessary paperwork to the headquarters of the Illinois Secretary of State that you have chosen.
Once in the office you must:
- Fill out the residency verification form
- Take a photo of yourself and provide your digital signature
- Pay a fee of $30
- Take an eye exam
- Take the theoretical knowledge exam
- If everything is fine, take the practical exam
For the practical exam, bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use in the test.
If you are approved, the Illinois driver's license for undocumented immigrants will arrive in your email within 15 to 20 business days.
Continue reading: Appointments for driver's license in NJ for undocumented immigrants
Offices to request a license for undocumented immigrants
Keep in mind that to apply for a driver's license in Illinois for undocumented immigrants, you must attend an office of the Illinois Secretary of State specially designated to handle requests for this type of license.
You can see them at this link or consult the following map so you can easily find the TVDL license office closest to your home.
Continue reading: Driving license in Texas for foreigners and undocumented immigrants
How long does it take to receive a driver's license for undocumented immigrants?
The driver's license for undocumented immigrants is received between 15 and 20 business days after requesting it.
When you complete the application process, if everything goes well, you are given a driving document valid for 90 days.
After you have passed fraud checks and verified your identity, a temporary driver's license will be mailed to your address in approximately 15 days.
How long is the license for undocumented immigrants valid in Illinois?
The license for undocumented immigrants in Illinois is valid for three years. 90 days before its expiration date you must make the request again and submit the forms again.
Keep reading: What to do if you lost your Texas driver's license?
How much does a temporary driver's license cost in Illinois?
The cost of a temporary driver's license in Illinois is $30and if you want it to be valid for driving motorcycles, you will have to pay an additional $5.
How to renew the TVDL license in Illinois online?
The TVDL license cannot be renewed. It is valid for three (3) years and after its expiration it is necessary to complete the application process again.
Continue reading: What is a provisional driver's license?
What happens if you drive your car without insurance when you have a TVDL?
If you are caught driving without car insurance, you will be given a traffic ticket for driving without a license and driving without insurance.. Temporary licenses are only valid with car insurance (basic coverage).
How to get a driver's license in Illinois without a social security number?
If you do not have a social security number in Illinois you can apply for a temporary driver's license. You must meet the requirements required by the Illinois Secretary of State and pass the vision, knowledge, and practical driving test.