New Legislation Takes Effect to allow Illegals to get an Illinois Drivers License

Illinois lawmakers passed legislation in 2023, which takes effect on July 1, replacing Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) with four-year standard driver’s licenses that have the wording “Federal Limits Apply” printed on them.

Immigrants who have current TVDLs cannot use them for identification, making it difficult to perform routine tasks like filling prescriptions, opening a bank account or applying for an apartment. In addition, TVDLs include the wording “Not Valid for Identification” and a purple-colored banner signaling that the holder is undocumented – even though many have lawful status – which can lead to discrimination. As a result, many motorists have opted not to obtain a license and drive illegally without insurance.

“This is an important step forward in reducing the stigma that our immigrant population is forced to face,” Giannoulias said. “It will also make our roads safer by ensuring that more motorists can legally drive – having to pass written and behind-the-wheel driving tests and show proof of insurance – like all other licensed Illinois drivers.”

House Bill 3882 was sponsored by State Representative Barbara Hernandez (50th District – Aurora) and State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District – Chicago).

“At a time in which anti-immigrant attitudes are regrettably growing in this country, allowing non-citizens to use standard IDs removes an unnecessary and demeaning distinction which too often leads to discrimination against people new to our communities,” said State Representative Barbara Hernandez (50th District-Aurora). “This is a major step forward for the equity of non-citizens in Illinois.”

“Starting today, immigrant families will no longer face restricted access to basic services and endure the stigma associated with the TVDL purple banner,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District-Chicago). “Offering standard driver’s licenses to these individuals prevents discrimination while keeping our roads and communities safe.”

“My constituents will no longer have to live with the stigma of having a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License and will be less vulnerable to discrimination because of their status,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (4th District). “Laws like this show why Illinois is a welcoming state, make our roads safer, and create more equitable systems for all.”

“Thank you Secretary Giannoulias for your leadership in getting this driver’s license legislation passed last year and ensuring that this new law is being implemented promptly,” said Fred Tsao, Senior Policy Council for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights (ICIRR). “We look forward to continuing to work with you to enable qualifying Illinois motorists to quickly and easily get a standard license – the same license that millions of other Illinois residents have and use every day.”

Giannoulias is encouraging current TVDL cardholders to “Be the First” to make the switch to a standard driver’s license. Applicants seeking to renew or replace their existing TVDLs can apply online at www.ilsos.gov/TVDL or visit a DMV facility. First-time applicants must visit a DMV facility to present the required documents.

Applicants must follow the same process as applying for a TVDL. Those eligible for a standard driver’s license must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and provide a passport or a consular card, proof of residency and proof of insurance. Applicants must also pass vision, written and behind-the-wheel driving tests.

The legislation also restricts the sharing of driver information by prohibiting the use of data for immigration enforcement purposes. Immigration agents must provide a court-issued warrant, order or subpoena to request the personally identifying information. Giannoulias’ office has implemented additional safeguards to ensure that immigrant motorists cannot obtain a REAL ID or be added to the voting rolls.

Additional staff training has been conducted to allow the office to offer applications for this new standard license at all of its non-express DMV facilities statewide. Application processing was previously limited to just 10 facilities.

Illinois was one of the first states to begin issuing TVDLs in 2013 to ensure that all drivers on state roads have passed a stringent behind-the-wheel driving test and provided proof of vehicle insurance regardless of their citizenship. Since then, the office has issued more than 300,000 TVDLs.