Driver's License in Illinois Without an SSN (2026)

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.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your Illinois DMV appointment:

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.

Step-by-Step Process

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 This License Allows

Once you have your Illinois driver's license or driving permit, you can:

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.

Other States That Allow This

19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license or driving permit. Browse by state:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →