Douglas Olsen
International students in Illinois who want to obtain a driver's license must follow a specific process. The requirements and steps for acquiring an Illinois driver's license as an international student vary, and it's important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations. In this guide, we will outline the necessary steps, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process, to ensure international students in Illinois can navigate the path to obtaining their driver's license effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Authorized to be in the country for at least one year, with at least six months remaining on an authorized stay |
| Pass the appropriate exams: vision, written and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam | |
| Pay the appropriate fee via cash, check or debit/credit card | |
| Bring a car with proof of auto insurance to take the driving exam | |
| Present proper identification documents | |
| Must be 18 or older | |
| Must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or obtain a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) | |
| Must have a Letter of Confirmation of Student Status from ISO | |
| Must have a Form L-676 from the Social Security Administration | |
| Must have a valid F-1 visa | |
| Locations | Illinois Secretary of State (DMV) office |
| Monticello | |
| Rantoul | |
| Champaign | |
| Lexington |
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What You'll Learn
Temporary Visitor's Driver's License (TVDL)
International students in Illinois who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) can obtain a Temporary Visitor's Driver's License (TVDL). The validity of the TVDL is until the date mentioned on your I-20 form.
To obtain a TVDL, you must provide the following physical documents to a nearby Illinois Secretary of State (DMV) office:
- Documentation of legal status issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Proof of authorization to be in the US for at least one year with at least six months remaining.
- Proof of date of birth, one year of Illinois residency, and a written signature.
- If you are 18-20 years old, proof that you have completed a six-hour driver education course.
- An unexpired passport or consular identification card.
- Proof of completion of a six-hour driver education and training course (if you are 18-20 years old).
- $30 application fee.
Please note that not all DMV offices process TVDLs, so it is recommended to check with your nearby office before visiting. The review and approval process for TVDL applications can take several weeks to months, depending on the immigration screening. During this time, the DMV may copy your documents and send them to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for further processing if needed.
TVDLs are valid for three years or until your legal status expires, whichever comes first. They cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as boarding an airplane or entering a federal building. Starting July 1, 2024, TVDLs will no longer be issued, and individuals without legal status will be able to obtain a standard driver's license, which will have the same validity as licenses issued to other Illinois drivers who do not meet federal REAL ID license requirements.
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Required documents
International students can obtain a driver's license in Illinois, but they must present the correct documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The type of license and the required documents will depend on the student's visa status and whether they have a Social Security Number (SSN).
If you have an SSN, you will need to present the following documents:
- Proof of identification, including confirmation of student status and F-1 visa holder status.
- Proof of address, such as a lease agreement.
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019. If you have transferred from another US school, you must show both your prior school’s I-20 and your new I-20.
If you do not have an SSN, you can apply for a TVDL. A 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 Illinois. To apply for a TVDL, you will need:
- A letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible for an SSN (Form L-676).
- Proof of identification, including confirmation of student status and F-1 visa holder status.
- Proof of address, such as a lease agreement.
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019. If you have transferred from another US school, you must show both your prior school’s I-20 and your new I-20.
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Exams, fees, and identification
To obtain a driver's license in Illinois, international students must meet specific requirements and complete necessary procedures. Here is a detailed guide focusing on the exams, fees, and identification aspects of acquiring a driver's license as an international student in Illinois.
Exams
To obtain an Illinois driver's license, international students must pass the required exams, which typically include a vision test, a written exam, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. These exams assess your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices. It is recommended to review the "Rules of the Road" book to prepare for these exams.
Fees
When applying for your driver's license, you will need to pay the appropriate fees, which can vary depending on the location and your specific circumstances. The fees can usually be paid via cash, check, or debit/credit card. Additionally, if you are renewing your license, there may be a separate renewal fee, typically around $30.
Identification Documents
Presenting proper identification documents is crucial when applying for an Illinois driver's license as an international student. The specific documents required may vary, but generally, you will need to provide proof of your legal presence in the country and your identity. Here are some common identification documents requested:
- A valid passport or other proof of legal presence, such as a visa.
- Proof of your student status, such as an I-20 or DS-2019 form.
- Two forms of proof of your Illinois address, such as a lease agreement.
- Proof of auto insurance for the vehicle you will use for the driving exam.
- If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you may need to obtain a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). In this case, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration (Form L-676) stating your ineligibility for an SSN.
It is important to note that the requirements and processes may vary, so it is recommended to review the Illinois Secretary of State's webpage or consult the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, allow for potential processing times, as the DMV may need to forward your application to the Department of Homeland Security for further clearance.
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Clearance checks
International students seeking a driver's license in Illinois must undergo a clearance check as part of the application process. This step involves submitting the appropriate documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for verification and processing. Here is a detailed overview of the clearance checks for obtaining a driver's license as an international student in Illinois:
Document Submission to the DMV:
Firstly, international students must gather and present the required documents to the DMV. These documents will include identification papers, residency proofs, and other relevant papers. It is imperative that you bring the original documents, not copies, to the DMV office.
Processing by the DMV:
Once the DMV has received your documents, they will process your information into their system. This involves entering your details and verifying your eligibility for a driver's license. If there are no issues with your application, the DMV will be able to process your license application directly.
Further Processing by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
However, in some cases, the immigration screen at the DMV may not allow further processing. When this happens, the DMV will make copies of your documents and forward them to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for additional verification and clearance. This step is a standard procedure to ensure that your immigration status and eligibility are accurately assessed.
Timeline for Clearance Checks:
The clearance check process can take up to approximately eight weeks to complete. During this time, your documents are thoroughly reviewed by the DHS to ensure that you meet the requirements for obtaining an Illinois driver's license as an international student.
Maintaining Legal Status:
While undergoing the clearance checks, it is essential to maintain your legal status in the country. As part of the process, you must not engage in any activities that may jeopardize your eligibility, such as unauthorized work or overstaying your visa. Additionally, when asked about registering to vote, your response must be "no," as it is illegal for non-citizens to register to vote in the United States.
In summary, the clearance checks for obtaining a driver's license as an international student in Illinois involve submitting the correct documentation to the DMV and, if necessary, further verification by the DHS. This process ensures that international students meet the eligibility requirements and can legally obtain a driver's license in the state of Illinois.
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Registering to vote
International students can obtain an Illinois driver's license during their time in the USA. However, it is important to note that you must be a legal resident of Illinois to obtain an Illinois driver's license or identification card.
If you are an international student without a Social Security Number (SSN), you can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). The TVDL is valid until the date mentioned on your I-20 form. To apply for a TVDL, you will need to visit the Social Security Administration to request a letter stating that you are not eligible for an SSN, which is known as Form L-676. You can then take this form, along with your other required documents, to a nearby Illinois Secretary of State (DMV) office to process your application.
When applying for a driver's license, you must present the correct documents to the DMV, and they will process your information into their system. The DMV is obligated to ask each applicant if they would like to register to vote. As an international student, your response must be "no," as it is illegal for non-citizens of the United States to register to vote.
- You must not register to vote if you are not a citizen of the United States. This is illegal, and you should inform the DMV staff that you are an international student when they ask about voter registration.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents for your driver's license application, including proof of identification and residency. A confirmation letter from your university, confirming your student status and visa type, may also be required.
- Be prepared to take the necessary exams, including a vision test, a written exam, and/or a behind-the-wheel driving exam.
- Allow for sufficient processing time. The clearance check for your application can take up to approximately 8 weeks.
- Keep in mind that your international driver's license is only valid for 90 days from your entry into the United States, even if it is technically valid for one year.
By following these steps and being mindful of the legal restrictions, you can ensure that you correctly obtain your driver's license without registering to vote as an international student in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can obtain a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) in Illinois. To apply, you will need to visit the Social Security Administration to request a letter stating that you are not eligible for an SSN (known as Form L-676). You will then need to take this letter, along with other required documents, to a nearby Illinois Secretary of State (DMV) office.
The required documents for a TVDL in Illinois include Form L-676, proof of address (such as a lease agreement), and proper identification documents. You must also bring a car with proof of auto insurance to take the driving exam.
Yes, the Monticello and Rantoul DMV offices tend to be less busy than the Champaign office.
An international driver's license is technically valid for one year, but it is only valid for 90 days from the time of entry into the state.
The fees for obtaining a driver's license in Illinois vary depending on the type of license and your specific situation. For example, there is a $30 renewal fee if you are approved for OPT and need to renew your license.
