How to get a temporary driver’s license
Currently, the temporary driver ‘s license or TVDL license enables undocumented foreigners to drive legally in the USA.
This means that people who previously couldn’t get a driver’s license because they didn’t have legal immigration status or social security can now get one.
In this article we will explain what it is and how to obtain a temporary driver’s license so that you can start your application process.
What does TVDL mean?
The Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) or temporary driver’s license is a document that allows undocumented foreigners to drive in Illinois and in other states.
Previously, they were only available to immigrants without a social security number who had legal immigration status.
After state law SB 957, undocumented drivers can also get a TVDL. However, they can only use it to drive and not as an identification document.
Temporary licenses are only issued in Classes D, L, M, DL or DM, which authorize the driving of a personal vehicle, motorcycle or motor cycle.
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Why a temporary driver’s license and not a regular license?
The federal REAL ID law establishes that states can only issue regular driver’s licenses to those with legal immigration status;
but since temporary driver’s licenses are not valid for identification, they conform to the REAL ID law and allow the undocumented drive legally.
Temporary licenses or undocumented licenses are visually different from regular licenses. TVDLs are purple, not red like driver’s licenses in Illinois, and clearly state that they are not valid as identification.
TVDL Illinois License: How to Get a Temporary Driver’s License?
Under Illinois law, undocumented immigrants and those unable to obtain a Social Security number may apply for a temporary license.
To start the application process, you must request an appointment at the Office of the Secretary of State.
Offices of the Secretary of State designated for management of tvdl (without visa)
Secretary of State Offices in Southern Illinois
Beardstown (Visa Free Only)
Bethalto (only without visa)
Bloomington
Bradley (Visa only)
Carbondale
Champaign
DeKalb
Edwardsville (Visa Only)
Granite City (only without visa)
Macomb
Moline/Silvis (Visa only)
Morris (Visa only)
Ottawa (only without a visa)
Peoria (only without visa)
Princeton (Visa Only)
Rockford Middle
Springfield-Dirksen Parkway
Chicago Metro Area Secretary of State Facility Locations
Aurora (only without visa)
Bridgeview (Visa Free Only)
Chicago Heights (visa-free only)
Chicago North
Chicago South (visa-free only)
chicago west
Deerfield (Visa only)
Des Plaines
Elgin (Visa Free Only)
Joliet (Visa only)
Lake Zurich (only without visa)
Lombard (only without visa)
Melrose Park (Visa Only)
Midlothian (Visa only)
Naperville (Visa Free Only)
Schaumburg (only without a visa)
Waukegan (Visa Only)
Woodstock (Visa Only)
Who qualifies for a temporary driver’s license?
To be eligible for a TVDL license, you must:
- Not be a citizen of the United States and reside in the state of Illinois
- Be authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to be in the country and provide documentation that proves authorization
- Not be required to obtain a driver’s license issued by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Foreign Missions
- Be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining of authorized stay.
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IMPORTANT: Those who have previously obtained fraudulent licenses (using a false social security number, for example)
must first correct and verify their identity through the Fraud division of the Secretary of State. Subsequently, a verification process will be carried out and they may require an interview in person.
Once the person’s true identity is verified, a new driving record will be issued and the offenses on the fraudulent record will be transferred to the new record.
For example, driving without a license, traffic violations, etc. In these cases, we recommend that you request legal advice from a specialist lawyer so that you can resolve your case quickly.
How to request an appointment for the Temporary Driver’s License?
To start your application process, the first thing you must do is request an appointment for a temporary driving permit.
Call cyberdriveillinois.com at 8552361155 to make an appointment or get more information.
Note: Appointments are required for all applicants.
Driver’s license requirements in Illinois:
- Present a valid identification document such as passport or consular card
- Prove that you have lived in Illinois for at least 12 months
- Submit two (2) acceptable documents as proof of current residency.
- Applicants between the ages of 18 and 20 must demonstrate that they have completed a 6-hour driving course for adult drivers.
- Pass written, driving, and vision exams
- Submit proof of insurance for the automobile to be used for the driving test.
- Pay the corresponding fee
- Renew driving license tvdl
- The temporary driver’s license or tvdl cannot be renewed.
It is valid for three (3) years and after its expiration it is necessary to complete the application process again, complying with all the requirements mentioned above.
Temporary Driver’s License: Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I receive my temporary driver’s license?
Once you have passed the necessary exams, you will receive a document valid for 90 days.
After passing fraud checks and verifying your identity, a temporary driver’s license will be mailed to your home address in approximately 15 days.
How long is the TVDL license valid?
The temporary driver’s license is valid for three years, with no option to renew.
After expiration you must submit a new application, presenting all the necessary documents for verification.
Read also: Driver’s license without social security
How much does a temporary driver’s license cost in Illinois?
The fee is $30. If you apply for a motorcycle license you must pay $35
How to renew the tvdl license in Illinois online?
The tvdl license cannot be renewed, neither online nor in person. After your temporary driver’s license expires, you must complete the application process again, just as you did the first time.
What happens if I drive my car without insurance when I have a TVDL?
If you are caught driving without car insurance , you will be fined for driving without a license and driving without insurance. Temporary licenses are only valid with car insurance (basic coverage).
