Driver's License
Driving in Illinois
Driving in Illinois may be different from driving in your home country. If you are new to driving in the U.S. or Illinois, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office ‘New to Illinois’ website to familiarize yourself with some of the documentation and driving laws in Illinois. In the U.S., driving rules and laws are referred to as the “Rules of the Road”. Per Illinois State Law, auto/car insurance is required for individuals operating a motor vehicle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a variety of resources on their website for ‘motorists’ (drivers), including a short driving safety video.
Getting an Illinois Driver's License
Drivers moving to Illinois may use their valid driver’s license from their home state or country for 90 days. Illinois does not recognize the international driver’s license. You may obtain an Illinois driver’s license or identification card only if you are becoming a legal resident of Illinois.
To apply for an Illinois Driver’s License, begin by visiting and reviewing the requirements on the Illinois Secretary of State’s webpage for the necessary documents.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a fact sheet for individuals in F-1, J-1 or M-1 status that may assist you when preparing your documents to apply for a Driver’s License.
How do I report my campus address when I apply for a Driver's License?
If you live on campus, do not use the word "CPO" in your mailing address or it may stop the delivery of your driver's license. Example, if your CPO is 123, you would report your address as:421 N. Chase St. #123, Wheaton, IL, 60187
Can I apply for an Illinois Driver’s License without a SSN?
A Social Security Number is not required to obtain a State of Illinois Driver’s License. Internationals (F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, among others) in Illinois may obtain a Temporary Visitor Drivers License (TVDL) from various locations in the state. To apply, you will need to visit the Social Security Administration to request a letter stating that you are not eligible for an SSN, this is known as a Form L-676. If, however, you are eligible for an SSN, then you must apply for and receive the SSN before applying for a state driver’s license.
If I do not want a driver’s license, can I apply for an Illinois State ID?
If you do not intend to drive while in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for an Illinois State ID. However, an SSN is required to apply for an Illinois State ID.
Graduated and need to renew your Driver's License?
Your driver's license expires the day that your program of study is completed. Please note that you can only renew your IL driver's license if you have been approved for OPT or have received a new I-20 from another IL institution where you plan to continue your studies. If you are planning to leave the country during your 60-day grace period, you may not have a valid license to drive. If you are moving out of state to attend a new institution, you may want to apply for a new license in that state.
If approved for OPT, please go to the nearest Secretary of State facility to request a renewal of your license. Take your new Employment Authorization Document (EAD), proof of new mailing address, your expired license, and expect to pay a $30 renewal fee.