Illinois lets you get a driver's license in Chicago without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status
Illinois is one of a small number of states that issues driver's licenses to people regardless of immigration status. In Chicago, this means you can obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a standard license even if you are undocumented. The state calls this the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) program, though the name is misleading — the license lasts four years, not a short time.
The catch is that you cannot use this license to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross into Canada or Mexico by land. For those purposes, you would need a passport from your country of origin. But for driving, working, and everyday identification in Illinois, this license works the same as any other.
The process is the same as for any driver's license: you pass a written test, a road test, and pay the fee. You do not need a Social Security number. You do need to prove your identity and that you live in Illinois.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois issues four-year driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status through the Temporary Visitor Driver's License program.
- You must prove your identity with a passport or national ID card from your country of origin, and prove you live in Illinois with a utility bill or lease.
- You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to disclose your immigration status.
- You must pass the written knowledge test and the road test, just like any other driver.
- This license cannot be used for air travel, federal building entry, or land border crossing into Canada or Mexico.
What documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
The Illinois Secretary of State runs the driver's license program. You will go to a local facility in Chicago to explore in person. Bring originals and copies of the following:
Proof of identity: A valid passport from your country of origin is the most common choice. A national ID card from your home country also works. The document must not be expired. If you have a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in Chicago, that also counts.
Proof of residency in Illinois: A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your name and a Chicago address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease does not have to be in your name alone — a roommate's lease with your name on it, or a letter from a landlord, can work.
A completed process form: The Secretary of State's office provides this on-site, or you can read it ahead of time from their website. You will fill it out by hand or on a computer at the facility.
You do not need a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. You do not need to state your immigration status on the form.
The written test and road test
After you submit your documents, you will take the written knowledge test. This covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and others. You can request an interpreter or a translated test when you arrive.
You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test at a later date. During the road test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes. They score you on lane changes, turns, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. You must pass this test to get your license.
If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a friend or family member. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and the owner must be present at the test facility.
Where to go in Chicago and what it costs
Chicago has several Secretary of State driver's license facilities. The main ones are downtown, on the North Side, and on the South Side. You can find the full list and hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Many facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment for the written test, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Road tests usually require scheduling in advance.
The fee for a four-year driver's license is $150. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the staff about fee waivers — some facilities have programs for people with low income, though availability varies.
What happens after you pass the road test
Once you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid when ready and works for driving. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The address on your license will be the Illinois address you provided during your process.
Your license will expire four years from the date it is issued. When it is close to expiring, you can renew it by mail or in person. Renewal is simpler than the first license — you do not have to retake the tests.
Limits on what you can do with this license
This license is valid for driving in all 50 states and for most everyday uses. You can use it to rent a car, open a bank account, or show as identification at a job.
You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane within the United States. Starting in 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport for domestic air travel. The Temporary Visitor Driver's License is not REAL ID-compliant.
You also cannot use it to enter a federal building, a military base, or a nuclear power plant. And you cannot use it to cross a land border into Canada or Mexico — you would need a passport or a Trusted Traveler card from your home country.
For all other driving and identification purposes in Illinois, this license works like any other.
If you already have an out-of-state license
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Illinois license without retaking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Illinois, and proof of identity. The process is faster and costs less than getting a new license from scratch.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take the written and road tests again, as if you were a new driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell the Secretary of State that I am undocumented?
No. The process form does not ask about immigration status. You only need to prove your identity with a passport or national ID and show that you live in Illinois. The Secretary of State does not share your information with immigration authorities.
What if my passport is expired?
An expired passport will not work for the driver's license process. You need a valid, unexpired passport or national ID card. If your passport is expired, you can renew it through your country's consulate in Chicago before you explore for the license.
Can I use this license to drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft?
That depends on the company's policy. Some rideshare companies accept the Temporary Visitor Driver's License; others do not. Contact the company directly to ask. You may also need other documents, such as proof of insurance or a background check clearance.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is no limit. Each time you retake it, you pay a small fee (usually around $10 to $15). You can schedule your next attempt right away or wait a few days to practice more.
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
A driver's license itself does not affect immigration proceedings. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, talk to your immigration attorney before explore. An attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.