Quick Answer
Yes — Illinois allows undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders to get a Temporary Visitor Driver's License under SB 957 (2013). No SSN or proof of legal status required. To apply:
- Pass the written knowledge test at a Illinois Secretary of State office.
- Bring identity documents (foreign passport or Consular ID + 2 proofs of state residency dated within 60 days).
- Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.
The license is valid for driving throughout the state but is not accepted as federal ID — not valid for domestic flights or federal buildings.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Illinois Without an SSN?
Yes. Illinois allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under Temporary Visitor Driver's License Act — SB 957 (2013). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.
Illinois issues a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). It is marked differently from a standard IL license but is valid for driving throughout Illinois and recognized in other states. The TVDL program has been running since 2013 and Illinois DMV offices process high volumes of ITIN-holder applications.
License type
Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) — not valid as federal ID (REAL ID). This license is valid for driving but cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or as a federal form of ID. For air travel you will need your passport.
What Documents Do I Need?
Bring 2 categories of document to your Illinois DMV appointment: proof of identity (a valid foreign passport, national ID, or consular ID) and proof of Illinois residency, which generally requires 2 documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
- 1Proof of identity — one of: valid foreign passport, foreign national ID card, or consular ID card (matrícula consular accepted)
- 2Proof of Illinois residency — 2 documents: utility bill, bank statement, lease, pay stub, or government mail
Tip
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified translation.
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
- Step 1: Gather your identity document and 2 proofs of IL residency
- Step 2: Visit any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility
- Step 3: Complete the Illinois TVDL application
- Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test (available in Spanish)
- Step 5: Pass the vision exam
- Step 6: Pass the driving road test
- Step 7: Receive your TVDL by mail
What Can I Do With This License?
Once you have your Illinois driver's license or driving permit, you can do 4 main things: drive legally anywhere in Illinois, qualify for car insurance, use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes, and present it as proof of identity to open a bank account. It cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.
- Drive legally anywhere in Illinois
- Get car insurance (insurers require a valid license)
- Use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes
- Use it as proof of identity at banks and credit unions — this can help with opening an account
You cannot use this license to:
- Board domestic flights (need a passport or REAL ID)
- Enter federal buildings or military bases
- Prove immigration status or work authorization
Next step: build credit
A driver's license is accepted by many banks as a second form of ID alongside your ITIN — making it easier to open an account. See which banks accept ITIN →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois issues a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) under SB 957 (2013). You need a foreign passport or consular ID and two proofs of Illinois residency. No SSN or ITIN is required.
Does Illinois accept a matrícula consular for a driver's license?
Yes. Illinois accepts a consular identification card (matrícula consular) issued by a foreign consulate as a valid identity document for the TVDL application.
What is a TVDL in Illinois?
A Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) is a driver's license issued to Illinois residents who cannot prove U.S. legal presence. It is valid for driving in Illinois and other states but is not a REAL ID. It expires in 3 years and can be renewed.
Can I use an Illinois TVDL to board a domestic flight?
No. The Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. For air travel you will need a valid passport or other TSA-accepted REAL ID document. The TVDL is fully valid for driving in Illinois and other states.
Can DACA recipients get a standard driver's license in Illinois?
Yes. DACA recipients in Illinois are eligible for a standard, REAL ID-compliant driver's license rather than a TVDL. A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and DACA-issued Social Security Number satisfy the Illinois Secretary of State's proof of authorized status requirement. Apply at any Illinois Driver Services facility with your EAD, Social Security card, and identity documents.
Which Other States Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Beyond Illinois, 19 states and Washington D.C. currently issue driver's licenses or driving permits to undocumented immigrants without requiring an SSN. Each sets its own document rules, but all accept a foreign passport or consular ID in place of a Social Security Number. Browse the full list by state:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →