DMV Requirements for a Temporary Driver's License in Illinois

Since 2013, Illinois has allowed non-citizens who are temporarily residing in the state and ineligible for a Social Security number to obtain a Temporary Visitor Driver's License. The applicant must be in the country legally through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department to get a TVDL.

Documentation Needed

Along with the Verification of Residency, an applicant must provide documents in four categories. The Verification of Residency shows the applicant has lived in Illinois for the last 12 months. The Secretary of State also requires proof of an applicant's name, date of birth, Illinois residency and written signature. Examples of acceptable documents in each category include:

Name and date of birth--unexpired foreign passport or consular card

Illinois residency--consular card; certified school transcripts; bank statement from last 90 days; credit report from last 90 days; rental or lease agreement; insurance policy; report card from grade school, high school, college or university; or utility bill less than 90 days old

Verification of written signature--unexpired foreign passport; consular card; court order; credit card from major provider like American Express, MasterCard or Visa; federal, state or local government ID card; or loan agreement.

Verification of residency--consular card; utility bill; bank statement; insurance policy; rental or lease agreement; mortgage documents; or report card from grade school, high school, college or university.

Process

Applicants must schedule an appointment at one of 36 Driver Services Facilities to get a TVDL. To make an appointment, an applicant can call 855-236-1155 or use the online appointment calendar. At the appointment, the applicant provides the facility employee with his completed application and all required documents. All applicants must pay a $30 fee and complete a vision screening. Additionally, the applicant takes a written test based on the Rules of the Road driving guidelines from Illinois, as well as a road test.

Additional Requirements

• Any TVDL applicant between the ages of 18 and 20 must complete a six-hour adult driver education and training course.
• All TVDL holders must have valid liability auto insurance and show proof of insurance before taking the road test. 
• The applicant should have authorization to be in the country for at least one year, with at least six months left in his stay.