The State of Illinois issues a special driver's license to non-citizens who cannot get a SSN. The license is called Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). There are two kinds of TVDLs. The first is for someone authorized to reside in this country for one or more years. They must have at least six months of authorized presence remaining at the time of application. The second is for someone who does not have lawful status but has lived in the US for at least a year. This means if you are undocumented, you may be able to get a TVDL. If you have a lawful immigration status you can also apply. A TVDL cannot serve as a government-issued ID.

TVDL is valid for three years. After that, you have to re-apply as a new applicant.

To qualify for a TVDL as a lawful resident, applicants must:

• Prove their name and date of birth;
• Prove that they live in Illinois;
• Prove their written signature;
• Provide documentation issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that proves legal status;
• Affirm that they are ineligible to get a social security number;
• Pass the vision, written, and road exams;
• Provide proof of insurance for the vehicle used for the road test;
• Provide proof (ages 18-20) of completing a 6-hour adult driver education course; and
• Pay a $30 application fee ($35 for motorcycles).

To qualify for a TVDL as an undocumented immigrant, applicants must:

• Prove their name and date of birth;
• Prove their written signature;
• Prove that they have lived in Illinois for at least 12 months;
• Prove where they live in Illinois now;
• Affirm that they are ineligible to get a social security number;
• Provide a valid, unexpired passport or consular card issued by an approved country, or provide other proof of identity and residency the Secretary of State may require;
• Pass the vision, written, and road exams;
• Provide proof of insurance for the vehicle used for the road test;
• Provide proof (ages 18-20) of completing a 6-hour adult driver education course; and
• Pay a $30 application fee ($35 for motorcycles).

Learn more on the Illinois Secretary of State website or go to your local Drivers Services office. Some facilities require that you make an appointment before visiting their location in person. Visit the Secretary of State's Skip-the-Line program, to learn more about which services are offered online, when you are required to schedule an appointment, and the newly extended hours of all DMVs. 

How to obtain standard driver's license in Illinois starting on July 1, 2024?

Starting on July 1, 2024, non-U.S. citizens can apply for a regular driver's license. This new license will not require a Social Security Number (SSN). It is called a "Standard" license instead of a "Non-compliant" one. Instead of saying "Not for Federal Identification," it will be labeled as "Federal Limits Apply." Under the new law, the Secretary of State cannot report you to immigration if you are undocumented and want a driver’s license. 

Note: You cannot use this license for federal identification purposes, such as when you board a flight or enter federal buildings.

To get this new license, you need:

• To pass a driving test, 
• Have valid insurance, 
• Show some identification papers (see below for more detail), and 
• Prove that you've been living in Illinois for at least one year. 

If you're a documented immigrant, provide U.S. immigration documents issued by Homeland Security (like I-20 and I-94) or your social security card. 

If you're undocumented, you must show a valid foreign passport or consulate-issued ID. Make sure all these documents are not expiring in two years.