What a Temporary Visitor Driver's License Is and Who Can Get One

Illinois issues a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) to people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but need to drive legally in the state. The license is valid for a set period — typically tied to how long the state immigration office records show you are authorized to stay in the United States. It functions like a regular driver's license for driving purposes but carries a different designation on the card itself.

You do not need to be a permanent resident or citizen to get a TVDL. You need proof that you are lawfully present in the U.S. under federal immigration law. This includes people on valid visas (such as H-1B, F-1, or L-1 visas), people with pending asylum cases, people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and people with other immigration statuses recognized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The TVDL is not the same as an ID card. It is a driving license that allows you to operate a vehicle on public roads in Illinois and, in most cases, in other states. Some states recognize it; others do not. If you plan to drive outside Illinois, check the rules in the states you will visit.

Key Takeaways

  • A Temporary Visitor Driver's License is issued to people lawfully present in the U.S. who are not citizens or permanent residents, and it expires when your authorized stay ends.
  • You will need proof of lawful presence (such as a valid visa or USCIS document), proof of identity, proof of Illinois residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The process process involves visiting a Secretary of State facility in person, passing a written test and vision test, and paying the required fee.
  • A TVDL is recognized for driving in Illinois and many other states, but some states do not honor it, so you should verify before traveling.
  • Your TVDL expires on the same date your authorized stay in the U.S. ends, according to USCIS records.

Documents You Need to Bring to explore

The Illinois Secretary of State requires specific documents to issue a TVDL. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted for most items. You will need to show proof of lawful presence, which means a valid passport and visa, an I-94 arrival/departure record, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), an I-797 Notice of Action from USCIS, or another document that USCIS recognizes as proof of status.

You also need proof of identity. A valid foreign passport is the most common form. Some other documents may work, but the Secretary of State's office will tell you if yours does not. Bring proof of Illinois residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. You will also need proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you have an ITIN, bring a copy of your tax return or an ITIN letter from the IRS.

Bring your current driver's license or ID if you have one. If you are renewing a TVDL, bring the old license. You will also need to complete the process form — the Secretary of State provides this at the facility or online.

how the process works at a Secretary of State Facility

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. You cannot explore by mail or online for a TVDL. Find the facility nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Bring all required documents in the order listed above, as staff will check them in sequence.

At the facility, you will complete an process form and provide your documents for verification. Staff will check your proof of lawful presence against USCIS records. This step can take a few minutes or longer depending on how busy the office is and whether your immigration status is when ready clear in the system. If there is any question about your status, the office may contact USCIS directly, which can delay processing.

You will take a written test covering Illinois traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages. You will also take a vision test. If you pass both, you will pay the fee and have your photo taken. The TVDL is issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the facility's process.

Fees and How Long the License Lasts

The cost of a TVDL varies depending on how long it is valid. Illinois charges based on the expiration date, which is set by your authorized stay in the U.S. A license valid for one year costs less than one valid for four years. The Secretary of State's website lists current fees. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash — policies vary by facility.

Your TVDL expires on the date your authorized presence in the U.S. ends, according to USCIS records. If your visa expires on June 15, 2026, your TVDL will expire on that date. You cannot renew a TVDL after it expires unless you have a new document showing you are still lawfully present. If your status changes or extends, you will need to explore for a new TVDL with updated documents.

If your TVDL expires and you are no longer lawfully present in the U.S., you cannot legally drive. If your status is extended or changed, contact the Secretary of State as soon as possible to update your license.

Differences Between a TVDL and a Regular Illinois Driver's License

A regular Illinois driver's license is issued to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. A TVDL is issued to people lawfully present but not in one of those categories. On the card itself, a TVDL is marked as temporary and shows an expiration date tied to your immigration status, not a standard renewal cycle.

For driving purposes, a TVDL works the same way as a regular license. You can use it to drive in Illinois, and most other states recognize it. However, some states do not honor a TVDL for driving, and a few may not accept it as proof of identity for other purposes. Before traveling, check the rules in the state you are visiting or contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

A TVDL cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without additional ID. If you need to fly within the U.S., bring your passport or another federal ID. A regular driver's license can be used for these purposes.

What Happens If Your Immigration Status Changes

If your visa is extended, your status changes, or you receive a new immigration document, your TVDL does not automatically update. You will need to explore for a new TVDL with your updated documents. Visit a Secretary of State facility with your new proof of lawful presence and follow the same process as a first-time process.

If your authorized stay ends and you do not have a new document showing you are still lawfully present, your TVDL becomes invalid. You cannot legally drive after that date. If you are in the process of changing status or waiting for a new document, contact the Secretary of State to ask about options — some situations may allow a brief extension, but this is not automatic.

If you become a permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you can explore for a regular Illinois driver's license. You do not have to wait for your TVDL to expire. Bring your new immigration document (green card or naturalization certificate) to a Secretary of State facility and explore for a standard license.

Recognition of TVDL in Other States

Most states recognize an Illinois TVDL for driving purposes. However, a few states have restrictions or do not accept it at all. Before driving to another state, check that state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call to confirm. Some states accept a TVDL for driving but not for other purposes like entering a government building.

If you are moving to another state, you will need to get a driver's license in that state. Each state has its own rules about who can get a license and what documents are required. Some states issue temporary licenses similar to Illinois; others do not. Contact the new state's motor vehicle agency before you move to understand what you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a TVDL if I am waiting for my asylum decision?

Yes, if you have filed an asylum case with USCIS and have an I-797 Notice of Action or work permit (EAD), you can show that document as proof of lawful presence. Bring the original document to a Secretary of State facility. Your TVDL will expire when your current authorization expires, which may be one or two years depending on your document.

What if my proof of lawful presence is in another language?

Bring the original document in its original language. The Secretary of State's office can verify it against USCIS records. You do not need to translate it yourself. If the office needs clarification, staff will contact USCIS or ask you to provide a certified translation.

Can I renew my TVDL by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. The office needs to verify your current proof of lawful presence and check your status against USCIS records. This cannot be done remotely.

What if I lose my TVDL?

Visit a Secretary of State facility and report it lost. Bring your proof of lawful presence and proof of identity. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a new TVDL with the same expiration date as the original. The process is the same as explore for the first time.

Can I use my TVDL to board a plane?

No. A TVDL is not accepted as federal ID for domestic flights. Bring your passport, national ID card, or another federally recognized document. Check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for a full list of acceptable documents.