Illinois legislation passes new lisence laws for illegal immigrants. However, state and federal law differ in this subject.
Law Enforcement and Immigration in Illinois
While immigration license law is a federal issue, most local authorities are considering new legislation.
Temporary Visitor Driver’s License
The Secretary of State’s office issues a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) for non-citizens of the United States who have been granted temporary, legal entry into this country and are temporarily residing in the State of Illinois and ineligible for a Social Security number.
To be eligible for a TVDL, a foreign national must:
- Be a non-citizen of the United States residing in the State of Illinois.
- Be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be present in this country, and provide documentation verifying such authorization; Not be required to obtain a driver’s license issued by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions;
- Be ineligible for a Social Security number, and present documentation, dated within 90 days of the date the individual is applying for a TVDL, issued by the Social Security Administration verifying such ineligibility;
- Be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on an authorized stay; Provide acceptable documentation that proves name, date of birth, Illinois residency and verification of written signature.
Pay the appropriate fee and successfully complete a vision screening and the appropriate written and road tests. A TVDL will be issued only in a Class D, L, M, DL or DM, authorizing operation of a personal car, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. A TVDL is valid for three years or for the period of time the individual is authorized to stay in this country, whichever ends sooner. 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, the applicant must visit one of the designated Driver Services facilities (Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago North, Chicago West, Macomb, Rockford, Springfield (Dirksen Parkway)) and meet the requirements for obtaining a license for the first time.
