Since Senate Bill 957 (SB 957) allowing undocumented Illinois immigrants to obtain Temporary Visitor Driver\u2019s Licenses (TVDLs) became law December 3, 2013, more than 1,200 immigrants have received licenses. Illinois is among 13 states and the District of Columbia to implement such a program.<\/p>\n
The licenses may be used only for driving are not considered valid forms of identification for activities such as entering a federal building, voting, buying a firearm, or boarding a plane.<\/p>\n
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Unlike a standard driver\u2019s license, which has a red stripe across the top and may be renewed every four years, the temporary visitor licenses have a purple stripe. The license is valid for a maximum of three years; no renewal options are allowed. Holders must reapply as a new applicant after three years, presenting all required documents for verification. And, of course, they will need proof of car insurance<\/b><\/a> coverage.<\/p>\n Initially, four driver service facility offices were accepting appointments for TVDLs, two in Chicago, one in Bloomington and one in Springfield; by the end of January, all 36 locations offered license tests.<\/p>\n According to the Illinois Secretary of State\u2019s office, almost 42,000 immigrants have requested appointments, and 5,000 have already applied.<\/p>\n To be eligible for a TVDL, a foreign national must: <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Acceptable proof of identity documents include a copy of a lease, utility bills and a valid passport or consular identification card. A complete list of required documents needed to apply for a TVDL is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com<\/span><\/b><\/a>. The tests are offered in Spanish, Polish, Mandarin Chinese and Korean \u2013 applicants must make an appointment in advance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The only Latin American countries for which the agency accepts consular cards are as follows:<\/p>\n The Illinois Coalition of Immigration and Refugee Rights was a major force behind the bill that created TVDLs. They are continuing to support the program by holding Driver\u2019s license information sessions. Visit http:\/\/icirr.org\/<\/b><\/a> for the latest information on upcoming workshops.<\/p>\n\n
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