Getting a driver's license in Illinois as an F-1 visa holder
You can get an Illinois driver's license while on an F-1 visa, but you will need to show your visa status and valid passport at the Secretary of State's office. Illinois does not require you to be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen to hold a driver's license — you only need to prove your identity, residency in Illinois, and legal presence in the country. Your F-1 visa and I-20 form from your school serve as proof of legal presence.
The process is the same as for any other driver's license applicant in Illinois, except for the documents you bring. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from your first visit to the Secretary of State's office until you receive your license in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your valid passport, F-1 visa, and current I-20 form to prove your identity and legal presence in the United States.
- You will also need proof of Illinois residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and address.
- Illinois charges a standard driver's license fee, which varies depending on the length of validity you choose.
- Your F-1 visa status does not prevent you from getting a license, but your license will expire when your visa expires or your I-20 status ends, whichever comes first.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State's office
Gather these documents before you go to the office. Bring originals, not copies, because the Secretary of State will need to see them in person.
You will need your valid passport and your current F-1 visa. You will also need your I-20 form, which your school's international student office issued to you. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license — you will just leave that field blank on the process.
For proof of Illinois residency, bring one of these: a lease or rental agreement with your name and current address, a utility bill from the past 60 days, a bank or credit card statement from the past 60 days, or a letter from your school on official letterhead confirming your enrollment and address. The document must show your current Illinois address.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive at a Secretary of State's office, you will check in and wait for a clerk. The clerk will review your documents, take your photograph, and have you sign the process. You will pay the fee at this time. The fee for a standard driver's license in Illinois is $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license, though prices can change.
After your documents are processed, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free online at the Secretary of State's website. You will then take a vision test. If you pass both, you will schedule a driving test appointment, usually within a few weeks.
At your driving test, you will drive with an examiner in your own car or a car borrowed from a friend. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
How your F-1 status affects your license validity
Your Illinois driver's license will be valid only as long as your F-1 status remains active. This means your license will expire on the earlier of two dates: the expiration date you choose when you get the license, or the expiration date of your I-20 form.
If your I-20 expires before your license would normally expire, you will need to renew your license when you renew your I-20. Your international student office will issue you a new I-20 each year, and you should bring it to the Secretary of State's office to update your license. If you leave the United States or your F-1 status ends, your license becomes invalid for driving purposes, though you can keep it as an ID.
Renewing your license while on F-1 status
You can renew your Illinois driver's license by mail, online, or in person, depending on how much time is left before it expires. If you are renewing in person, bring the same documents you brought for your original license: your passport, F-1 visa, current I-20 form, and proof of residency.
If you renew online or by mail, you will need to provide your driver's license number and other identifying information. However, because your license validity is tied to your I-20 status, it is often simpler to renew in person at a Secretary of State's office so the clerk can verify your current I-20 and update your file. This prevents your license from expiring before you expect it to.
What to do if your visa or I-20 expires
If your I-20 expires or your F-1 status ends, your driver's license is no longer valid for driving. However, you can still use it as a form of identification for other purposes. If you are staying in the United States on a different visa or status, you will need to get a new driver's license under your new status.
If you are leaving the United States, you do not need to do anything with your license. You can keep it as a souvenir or destroy it. If you return to the U.S. on a new F-1 visa later, you can explore for a new license at that time using the same process.
Common issues and how to handle them
Some Secretary of State's offices are unfamiliar with F-1 visa holders and may ask for additional documents or refuse to issue a license. If this happens, ask to speak with a supervisor and explain that Illinois law allows F-1 visa holders to get driver's licenses with proof of legal presence. Your passport, visa, and I-20 are sufficient proof. You can also contact your school's international student office for a letter of support if needed.
Another common issue is confusion about the Social Security number requirement. You do not need a Social Security number to get an Illinois driver's license. If a clerk tells you that you do, ask to speak with a supervisor. Leave the Social Security number field blank on your process and proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if my I-20 has already expired?
No. Your I-20 must be current to prove your legal presence. Contact your international student office when ready if your I-20 has expired — you may be out of status. Once you have a new, valid I-20, you can get a driver's license.
Do I need an Illinois address to get a driver's license?
Yes. You must show proof that you live in Illinois. If you live in student housing, your school can provide a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement also works.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test. There is usually a fee of around $10 to $15 for each retake, though this varies. You can schedule your next attempt at the Secretary of State's office or online.
Will getting an Illinois driver's license affect my F-1 status?
No. A driver's license is a state document and does not affect your federal immigration status. Getting a license does not change your F-1 status in any way.
Can I use my F-1 visa as a form of ID if I don't have a driver's license?
Your passport and visa together serve as valid federal identification. However, a driver's license is more convenient for everyday use and is widely recognized. Many businesses and institutions prefer a state-issued ID.