Douglas Olsen
Chicago is a transportation hub with a range of travel options, but if you're an international student hoping to get behind the wheel, there are a few things to keep in mind. International students in Chicago can obtain an Illinois Driver's License, but there are specific requirements to meet. One key point is that an International License is not valid in the State of Illinois, so visitors can only drive with a valid license from their home country for up to 90 days after arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students get a driver's license in Chicago? | Yes, international students can get an Illinois driver's license. |
| What are the requirements? | A social security number is required to apply for an Illinois driver's license. If the student does not have a social security number, they may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). |
| What documents are required? | A letter of confirmation of student status, passport, bank statement, cancelled check, letter on official school letterhead, tuition invoice, or official mail from a college or university. |
| Is a driving test required? | Yes, individuals must complete a vision screening, written test, and road test. |
| Are there any age restrictions? | Yes, individuals aged 18-20 must complete a six-hour adult driver education course before obtaining a license. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can get a driver's license in Chicago
- A social security number is required
- Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) for those without a social security number
- A six-hour adult driver education course is mandatory for first-time applicants aged 18-20
- The license expires when the study program ends
International students can get a driver's license in Chicago
The second option is to apply for a regular Illinois driver's license. To be eligible, you must have a social security number. You must also complete a six-hour adult driver education course if you are between the ages of 18 and 20 and have never been licensed before. Additionally, you will need to pass a vision screening, a written test, and a road test. To apply, you will need a confirmation letter from your institution, confirming your student status and F-1 visa holder eligibility. This letter, along with other forms of identification, such as a bank statement or tuition invoice, will need to be presented when applying.
The third option is to apply for a Temporary Visitor's Driver's License (TVDL) if you do not have a social security number. This license is only for driving and cannot be used as a form of identification. The eligibility requirements are the same as for an Illinois driver's license, except for the social security number. To apply for any of these licenses, you can visit the DMV in Bloomington, located at 1510 W. Market St., Bloomington, IL 61701.
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A social security number is required
International students in Chicago are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver's License. However, a social security number is required to apply for one. If you do not have a social security number, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). The TVDL is a photo ID card that allows you to drive but cannot be used as a form of identification for other purposes.
To be eligible for an Illinois Driver's License, you must successfully complete a six-hour adult driver education course if you are between the ages of 18 and 20 and have never been licensed before. You must also pass a vision screening, a written test, and a road test. To obtain an instruction permit, which allows you to practice driving before taking your road exam, you must visit one of the designated Driver Services facilities in Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago North, Chicago West, Macomb, Rockford, or Springfield.
In addition to requiring a social security number, the Illinois Driver's License application has several other requirements. You must provide a letter of confirmation of student status, which confirms that you are a valid F-1 visa holder and are eligible to apply for a driver's license. This letter is one of several required identification documents that you must show, including a bank statement, a canceled check, a letter on official school letterhead dated within 90 days prior to the application, a tuition invoice, or official mail from a college or university dated within the last 12 months. Your complete address of residence must be included in the application.
It is important to note that if you choose to apply for a TVDL instead, you will still need to meet the same eligibility requirements as those for an Illinois Driver's License, except for having a social security number. The Illinois Secretary of State's office issues the TVDL to non-citizens who have been granted temporary legal entry into the state and are temporarily residing in Illinois.
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Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) for those without a social security number
International students in Chicago are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License during their stay in the USA. A social security number is typically required to apply for an Illinois Driver’s License. However, if you do not have a social security number, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL). The TVDL is issued by the Secretary of State's office to non-citizens of the United States who have been granted temporary legal entry into the country and are temporarily residing in the State of Illinois.
To be eligible for a TVDL, you must meet certain requirements. You must be temporarily residing in Illinois and ineligible for a Social Security number. Additionally, you must provide documentation of your legal status issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. You must also be authorized to be in the US for at least one year with a minimum of six months remaining on your authorization. Proof of date of birth, one year of Illinois residency, and a written signature are also required. If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, you must provide proof of completing a six-hour driver education course.
To apply for a TVDL, you must pay a $30 application fee and provide the required documentation. The TVDL is valid for three years or until your legal status expires, whichever comes first. After the TVDL expires, you must reapply as a new applicant and present new documentation. It is important to note that TVDLs are not valid for federal identification purposes and cannot be used for boarding an airplane or entering a federal building.
It is worth mentioning that starting July 1, 2024, the TVDL will be replaced by a new standard license. This new license will be available to anyone who was previously eligible for a TVDL, including those without a Social Security number. The standard license will be the same as the one issued to other Illinois drivers who do not meet the federal REAL ID license requirements.
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A six-hour adult driver education course is mandatory for first-time applicants aged 18-20
International students are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License during their time in the USA. To do so, they must first present a Letter of Confirmation of Student Status, which confirms that they are a valid F-1 visa holder and are eligible to apply for a driver’s license. This letter is issued by the ISO.
If an international student has a social security number, they may apply for a regular driver’s license. If they do not have a social security number, they may apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL). The TVDL is issued by the Secretary of State's office for non-citizens who have been granted temporary, legal entry into the US and are temporarily residing in the State of Illinois.
Regardless of whether an international student applies for a regular driver's license or a TVDL, if they are aged 18, 19, or 20, they must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course through a Secretary of State-certified adult driver education provider before obtaining a license. This is a mandatory requirement for first-time applicants in this age group who have never been licensed or completed an approved high school or commercial school driver education program.
The Adult Driver Education Course covers various topics to ensure that new drivers have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely. It may include instruction on traffic laws and signs, safe driving practices, vehicle mechanics, and emergency procedures. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of driving rules and regulations, promote safe driving habits, and help individuals develop the skills needed to navigate different driving situations confidently.
In addition to completing the Adult Driver Education Course, first-time applicants aged 18-20 must also successfully complete a vision screening, a written test, and a road test to obtain their driver's license. The road test requires the applicant to bring a car, driven by someone else, which must have up-to-date insurance and registration and meet all legal requirements to be driven.
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The license expires when the study program ends
International students in Chicago are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License during their studies in the USA. However, it's important to note that this license is not permanent and has an expiration date tied to the student's program end date. Here are some key points to understand about the temporary nature of the driver's license for international students in Chicago:
Expiration upon Program Completion
The Illinois Driver's License for international students expires on the very day that their study program ends. This means that the license is valid only during the duration of their studies. If an international student's program comes to a conclusion, their driving privileges in Illinois also terminate. This rule is consistently mentioned across various sources, indicating its importance and applicability in Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago.
Impact of Leaving the Country
Related to the above point, if an international student decides to leave the country during their 60-day grace period after their studies end, they may find themselves without a valid Illinois driver's license. The license's validity is closely tied to the student's presence and status in the state as a student. Therefore, any change in their program or immigration status can affect the license's validity.
Renewal Possibilities
While the Illinois Driver's License for international students does expire with the completion of their studies, there may be options for renewal under certain circumstances. If an international student has been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or has received a new I-20 form from another Illinois institution where they plan to continue their education, they may be eligible to renew their license. This allows students who remain in the state and continue their academic pursuits to maintain their driving privileges.
Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)
It's worth noting that if an international student does not have a Social Security Number, they may be eligible for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) instead of a standard Illinois Driver's License. The TVDL is specifically designed for individuals who are temporarily residing in Illinois and are ineligible for a Social Security Number. This license is only for driving and cannot be used as a form of identification. The eligibility and application process for the TVDL can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
In summary, while international students in Chicago can obtain an Illinois Driver's License, it is important to understand that this license expires when their study program ends. The license's validity is closely tied to their student status, and any changes in their program or departure from the country can impact its validity. However, there may be options for renewal if students continue their studies or receive approval for OPT. Alternatively, the TVDL is an option for those without a Social Security Number, providing temporary driving privileges during their stay in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver's License.
You will need a Letter of Confirmation of Student Status from your institution, which confirms that you are a valid F-1 visa holder. You will also need a Social Security Number. If you do not have an SSN, you can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL).
The ISO assists international students in applying for a driver’s license by issuing a Letter of Confirmation of Student Status. This letter confirms that the applicant is a valid F-1 visa holder and is eligible to apply for a driver’s license.
Chicago is a large city with many transportation options. Many Chicago residents and students do not own a car. Transportation options include taxis, bicycles, rideshare services, car-sharing companies, buses, and trains.
