Douglas Olsen
International students can obtain an Illinois driver's license while in the USA, but the process can be complex. Students must be eligible, present the correct documents, and pass the required exams. The type of exams include vision, written, and/or behind-the-wheel driving exams. The license is only valid while the student is a resident of Illinois and expires when their program of study is completed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | International students are permitted to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License during their time in the USA. |
| Application Process | Apply in person at the DMV. |
| Documents | One document that verifies your IL address. Most international students use their ISU tuition statement or their apartment lease agreement. A social security number is required to apply for an Illinois Driver’s License. If you do not have an SSN, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL). |
| Fees | 18-20 years old = $5; 21-68 years old = $30 |
| Exams | Vision, written and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam |
| Renewal | Your driver's license expires the day that your program of study is completed. |
| Voting | You MUST decline to register to vote. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for an Illinois driver's license
International students are permitted to obtain an Illinois driver's license. The process involves several steps and requirements, which are outlined below. Firstly, it is important to note that a social security number is typically required to apply for an Illinois driver's license. However, if you do not have one, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). The TVDL is a license for driving only and cannot be used as a form of identification. To be eligible for a TVDL, you must meet the same requirements as the standard Illinois driver's license, except you must be ineligible for a Social Security Number.
To obtain an Illinois driver's license, you must be at least 18 years old and authorized to be in the country for at least one year, with at least six months remaining on your authorized stay. You must also successfully complete a 6-hour adult driver education course through a certified provider. Additionally, you will need to present proper identification documents, including proof of your Illinois address, such as a lease agreement or tuition statement.
The next step is to pass the required exams, which may include a vision test, a written exam, and/or a behind-the-wheel driving exam. You must bring a car with proof of auto insurance to take the driving exam. After passing the exams, you will need to pay the appropriate fee, which varies depending on your age. It is important to note that when applying for a driver's license, you must decline if asked whether you want to register to vote, as it is illegal for non-citizens to register.
For international students, the ISO can assist in applying for a driver's license by providing 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 license. It is one of the required identification documents that must be presented during the application process.
Lastly, it is important to be aware that your Illinois driver's license will expire on the day your program of study is completed. If you plan to continue your studies in Illinois, you may need to renew your license or apply for a new one, depending on your circumstances.
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Documents required for the application
International students can obtain an Illinois driver's license, but they must be becoming legal residents of Illinois. The first step is to check the Illinois Secretary of State's webpage for the necessary documents and eligibility requirements.
- One document that verifies your Illinois address. Most international students use their tuition statement or apartment lease agreement.
- Proof of your student status. ISO can provide a letter of confirmation that confirms you are an F-1 visa holder and are eligible to apply for a driver's license.
- Your most recent I-20 or DS-2019. If you have transferred from another US school, you must also show their I-20.
- Proof of identity. This could be your passport or a state ID card.
- Proof of your immigration status. This could be your visa, or US immigration documents issued by Homeland Security.
- If you are a US citizen, you will need a Social Security Number. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).
- If you are between 18 and 20 years old, you must have completed a 6-hour adult driver education course.
- If you are 18 or older, you must be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on your authorized stay.
- If you are taking a driving exam, you must bring a car with proof of auto insurance.
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How to apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)
International students can obtain an Illinois Driver's License while in the USA. To apply, you must:
- Be able to provide a Social Security Number.
- Be able to prove your Illinois address.
- Have completed a 6-hour adult driver education course (if you are 18-20 years old).
- Apply in person at a DMV office in Illinois.
- Pay a fee ($5 if you are 18-20 years old, $30 if you are 21-68 years old).
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL). This is a quick solution for those who need it, as it is valid for three years from the issue date, until July 1, 2024, or until your legal status expires—whichever comes first.
To apply for a TVDL, you must meet the same eligibility requirements as for an Illinois Driver's License, except you must be ineligible for a Social Security Number. You must also provide proof of legal status issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, be authorized to be in the US for at least one year with a minimum of six months remaining, and provide proof of date of birth, one year of Illinois residency, and a written signature. If you are 18-20 years old, you will need to provide proof of completion of a 6-hour driver education course. You will also need to pay a $30 application fee.
To obtain an instruction permit, you must visit one of the designated facilities of the Secretary of State (Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago North, Chicago West, Des Plaines, Macomb, Central Rockford, Springfield). All TVDL facilities, except Chicago North and Chicago West, process applicants without an appointment.
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The application process at the DMV
International students can obtain an Illinois driver's license during their time in the USA. The application process at the DMV involves several steps and requirements:
Firstly, it is important to note that international students must be becoming legal residents of Illinois to be eligible for an Illinois driver's license. Additionally, a Social Security Number is typically required for the application. However, if you do not have a Social Security Number, you may still apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). TVDLs are for those who are temporarily residing in Illinois and are ineligible for a Social Security Number.
The next step is to gather the necessary documents. This includes proof of identification, such as a passport or consulate-issued ID, and confirmation of student status. The ISO can assist international students by providing a Letter of Confirmation of Student Status, which confirms that the applicant is a valid F-1 visa holder and is eligible to apply for a driver's license. Other required documents may include immigration documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security, such as Form I-20 or DS-2019, and proof of address, such as a lease agreement.
Once you have gathered the required documents, you must visit the DMV in person to submit your application. The DMV will process your information into their system, and if there are no issues, they will issue your driver's license. However, if there is an issue with your immigration status, the DMV may need to send your documents to the Department of Homeland Security for further processing, which can take up to approximately eight weeks.
When submitting your application at the DMV, you will also be asked whether you want to register to vote. It is important to note that as an international student, you must decline this offer as it is illegal to register to vote if you are not a US citizen.
Finally, there may be additional requirements, such as completing a driver education course or passing certain exams, including a vision test, a written exam, and a behind-the-wheel driving exam. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees, which vary depending on your age.
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Renewal of an international student's driver's license
International students in Illinois are permitted to obtain a driver's license. To renew a driver's license, applicants will need to complete any required exams (vision, written, drive), provide acceptable documentation, and pay the appropriate renewal fee. The testing requirements and fees vary depending on the type of license being renewed.
When renewing a driver's license, it is important to ensure that your address is updated with the Secretary of State's office in order to receive the new permanent license. By law, address changes must be reported within 10 days. If you are required to take a driving exam, you must present proof of liability insurance for your vehicle. Acceptable identification is also required.
If your renewal letter indicates that you are a Safe Driver, you may be eligible for additional renewal options, such as online renewal. If you are an Illinois resident who is temporarily out of state, you may still be eligible to renew your driver's license while out of state.
Upon completing the renewal process, applicants will receive a temporary, secure paper driver's license that is valid for 90 days. This temporary license will contain a photo and basic information and can be used for driving and proof of identification. The old driver's license will also be returned to the applicant. Once the permanent card is received in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.
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Frequently asked questions
No, non-citizens can apply for a standard driver's license. However, it cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
You will need a confirmation letter from your school, which confirms that you are a valid F-1 visa holder. You will also need to provide identification documents, such as your I-20 or DS-2019, and proof of address.
No, a Social Security Number is not required to obtain an Illinois driver's license. However, if you do not have an SSN, you may only be eligible for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).
You can apply in person at the DMV. You will need to bring the correct documents, which may include your passport, immigration documents, and proof of address. You will also need to pass the required exams and pay the appropriate fees.
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