International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Driving in Illinois

International students may drive in Illinois with a valid license from their home country during their stay. This also applies to their spouse and children living with them while attending an Illinois college or university.

However, an International License is not valid in the State of Illinois.

For verification, please refer to the following exemptions found on page 5 of the Rules of the Road Booklet:

• If you are visiting or driving through Illinois, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country.
• If you are an out-of-state student attending an Illinois college/university, you and your spouse and children may drive with a valid license from your home state or country.

For the most accurate laws and regulations for driving in the state of Illinois, please review the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Obtaining a Temporary Visitor Drivers License

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will issue a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) for non-citizens of the United States who have been granted legal entry into the U.S., are temporarily residing in the State of Illinois, and are ineligible for a Social Security number. International students without SSN can only apply for TVDL at the DMV office in Edwardsville with a letter of ineligibility for SSN from the Social Security Office. You can obtain the ineligible letter from the SSN office in Alton. Alternatively, students can apply for TVDL at the DMV office in either Springfield or Carbondale. These two facilities do not require SSN number or letter of ineligibility.

TVDL Requirements for a "Non-Visa" Status Applicants

• Acceptable documentation to show proof of Illinois residency for the prior 12 months.
• Two (2) acceptable documents for proof of current residency.
• Show that you are ineligible for a Social Security number.
• Provide acceptable documentation that proves date of birth and verification of written signature.
• Provide a valid Passport or Consular Identification Card.
• Pay the appropriate fee and successfully complete a vision screening and the appropriate written and road tests.
• A Non-Visa Status Applicant TVDL may be issued only in a Class D, L, M, DL or DM, authorizing operation of a personal car, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. A Non-Visa Status Applicant TVDL is valid for three years.
• Effective July 1, 2014 or after, a person age 18-20 must present proof of successful completion of a 6-hour adult driver education and training course.
• TVDL transactions not processed on Saturdays at the Edwardsville location.
• Download a brochure here

Documents to present 

• Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using for the road test.
• Be prepared to be administered a vision screening, written and road tests.
• You must bring a completed Verification of Residency form.
• Be prepared to pay the appropriate fee.
• Be prepared to have your picture taken.

Obtaining an Illinois Drivers License

To be eligible for a driver’s license, a foreign national must:

• Be authorized to be in the country for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on an authorized stay (shown on I-20 or DS-2019).
• Present proper identification documents.
• Pass the appropriate exams (vision, written and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam).
• Present vehicle liability insurance card (if taking driving exam). Vehicle insurance is purchased from an Insurance Company.

Application Process & Requirements:

• Visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver License Facility (Appointments now required).
  • Closest facility to campus:
    1502A Troy Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, Ph: 618-656-8956 - Visit their website to schedule an appointment
• A person age 18-20 who does not hold a driver’s license from their home country must present proof of successful completion of a 6-hour adult driver education and training course. This course can be completed through a certified provider or online at advanceddrivingschool.org. 
• Bring the documents listed below 
• Be aware that your wait may be long. Have plenty of time available or be willing to return to the DMV office, if needed. You may be able to schedule an appointment, check here.
• You will be required to take vision and written tests and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam.
• You will be required to have your photograph taken.
• If you fail the driving or written test, you may apply for the license again after further study of the rules of the road.
• For more information, call the DMV office in Edwardsville at 618-656‑8956

Documents to Present

• Passport
• Original I-20 or DS-2019 showing your entry to the U.S. and current I-20/DS-2019 (if different from original)
• Most recent  I-94 printout
• Car insurance policy for the car you will be using
• TWO items from the following list to show Proof of Address:
  
  • Lease agreement with address listed, your name and signature of the landlord
  • Utility Bill (electric, water, cell phone, etc., issued within 90 days of application)
  • Official mail from college or university dated within 12 months prior to application, including driver’s license letter produced by ISSS 
  • Most recent bank statement 
  • PERSONAL MAIL IS NOT ACCEPTED AS PROOF OF ADDRESS

NOTE: The DMV is obligated to ask each applicant if they would like to register to vote. Your response must be no, as it is illegal for you to register to vote when you are not a citizen of the United States. If you say yes, it could lead to problems for future visa or Permanent Resident applications.

Optional State ID Card

If you are not planning to drive, the Secretary of State also issues the Illinois State Identity Card with your photo and information on it. You must have a Social Security number to obtain an Illinois state ID. This is an easily recognizable form of identification used for cashing checks, proving your age, etc.

Attending the DMV

As of September 1st, 2023, the Illinois secretary of state has implemented a "Skip-the-Line" progam at several DMV's in the state of Illinois. This program now requires anyone attending the DMV to make appointments for in-person visits. However, this will ultimately reduce the time they may spend waiting in line for services at the DMV. We implore all students to review the "Skip-the-Line" Program Informational Document to learn about scheduling an appointment at the DMV.