To apply for an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) you need to schedule an appointment at a designated Secretary of State Facility and bring the following documents. Follow these steps and you will have your new TVDL in no time!
Prior to your Appointment
Determine if you are eligible to apply for an Illinois TVDL. All of the following statements must be true:
- I do not have a Visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- I am not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number.
- I have lived in Illinois for greater than 12 months.
- I have proof of my current liability auto insurance policy.
If you are eligible to apply for a TVDL you must schedule an appointment online or by calling 855-236-1155. Use our TVDL facility finder to find the Secretary of State facility closest to you.
Important: Only the person whose name is on the appointment confirmation may apply during the appointment time. Appointment times cannot be given to someone else.
Required Documents
Gather as many of the required documents from each category as possible and bring them to your appointment. All documents must be originals (photocopies will not be accepted). Some documents may satisfy the requirement of more than one category.
Proof of Insurance and Verification of Residency
12-Month Residency (provide at least one)
Must be dated within 12 months of application date.
- Certified School Transcripts
- Bank Statement
- Deed/Title, Mortgage, or Rental/Lease Agreement
- Insurance policy (homeowner’s or renter’s)
- Medical Claim or Statement of Benefits
- Official Mail received from a state, local, or federal agency with applicants name and current address
- Homestead Exemption Receipt
- Pension or Retirement Statement
- Report card from grade/high school/college/university
- Tuition invoice/official mail from a college/university
- Utility bill
Written Signature (provide at least one)
- Unexpired Foreign Passport
- Consular Card
- Cooperative Driver Certificate (HS Driver Education
- Court order
- Credit card
- U.S. Federal, State or Local Government ID Card
- Mortgage/Installment Loan Agreement
- Current Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID card
- Mexican Electoral Card
Name and Date of Birth (provide at least one)
- Unexpired Foreign Passport
- Consular Card (Illinois State Police approved country)
Current Address (provide at least two)
* Issued within 90 days of your TVDL application date
- Consular Card
- Certified School Transcripts
- Bank Statement *
- Credit report issued by Experian/Equifax/Transunion *
- Deed/Title, Mortgage, or Rental/Lease Agreement
- Insurance policy (homeowner’s or renter’s)
- Medical Claim or Statement of Benefits *
- Official Mail received from a state, local, or federal agency with applicants name and current address
- Homestead Exemption Receipt
- Pension or Retirement Statement
- Report card from grade/high school/college/university
- Tuition invoice/official mail from a college/university *
- Utility bill *
- Selective Service Card
Name Change (provide at least one)
If your name is different than the name on your Foreign Passport or Consular Card, one of these documents must be provided to link both names.
- Court Order
- Marriage Certificate
The Application Process
- Check in at the facility at your scheduled appointment time
- A facility employee with check to make sure you have all the required documents
- Take the vision test
- Pay a $30 application fee ($35 for motorcycles)
- Take the written test
- Take the road test
- Your picture will be taken to be used on the TVDL
- Your application form and documents will be sent to the Secretary of State for verification
Once your application is approved, your TVDL will be printed and mailed to your current address (usually within 15-20 days). It is important to know the limitations of your new TVDL and make sure it remains valid by having a current liability auto insurance policy.