Temporary Visitor Driver’s License

What is a Temporary Visitors Driver's License?

A Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) is a type of driver’s license issued in Illinois to individuals who are not U.S. citizens and do not qualify for a Social Security number, but are legally allowed to reside in the U.S. It permits eligible non-citizens to drive legally within the state. A TVDL is valid for four years or for the period of time the individual is authorized to stay in this country, whichever ends sooner. 

Who is eligible for a TVDL? 

To be eligible, a foreign national must be: 

• A non-citizen of the U.S. residing in the state of Illinois.
• Granted temporary, legal entry into the U.S.
• Authorized to stay in the United States for at least one year and have six months remaining of your authorized stay
• Ineligible for a Social Security Number 

To receive a driver's license at the age of 18 or older, you will need to wait a few weeks after classes start to get your driver’s license if applying in your first semester of classes. Individuals eligible for a TVDL may obtain an instruction permit allowing them to practice driving before taking their road exam. To obtain an instruction permit, you must visit a DMV and meet the requirements for obtaining a license for the first time.  

Required documentation includes: 

• Passport
• I-94 
• Form I-20
• Notice of Action from USCIS for Approval of Change of Status to F-1 (if applicable)
• Two items from the following list to show proof of address:
  • Lease agreement with address listed, your name and signature of the landlord. Students in the International Student Homestay Program can use their Homestay Contract.
  • Utility Bill (electric, water, cell phone, etc., issued within 90 days of application)
  • Tuition invoice/official mail from college or university dated within the previous 12 months renter’s insurance policy

Steps for applying

1. Schedule an appointment at a full-service Secretary of State facility, show required identification documents and have your photo taken. Visit ilsos.gov/facilities/facilitylist.html for a list of facility locations.  
2. Surrender licenses and/permits from other states
3. Pay the appropriate fee via cash, check or debit/credit card
4. Pass the appropriate exams (vision screening, written, and driving). You will need to supply your own vehicle for the Road Test that is properly insured in the state of Illinois and have a licensed driver drive you the facility. Road tests are only available until sunset or 30 minutes before closing, whichever is sooner.
5. If you are between 18-20 years of age, you must present proof of successful completion of a six-hour adult driver education and training course. 

When all necessary requirements are completed, a temporary, secure paper driver's license, valid for 90 days, will be issued to serve as the driver’s license for driving purposes and proof of identification until the permanent driver’s license arrives in the mail within 15 business days.