DMV Instructions 2025-1 - Illinois Driver’s License for International Students

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob

Guidance explains whether an international student can use a home-country driver’s license in Illinois and clarifies the role of an International Driving Permit versus an International Driver’s License. It outlines eligibility routes for obtaining an Illinois driver’s license, including conditions tied to having a Social Security Number and requirements for documentation such as passport/I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, fees, and Illinois residency proof. It also describes the application process, exams, road test needs, voting registration warning, and introduces the Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) with its limits and where to apply.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Can I use my home country Driver’s License in the U.S.?

How to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License as an International Student

How to apply for an Illinois Driver’s License

What to expect when applying

Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL)

Can I use my home country Driver’s License in the U.S.? • Illinois law permits students at Illinois colleges and universities to drive on a valid license from their home state or country. Please see Illinois Rules of the Road, page 5: “Individuals may drive in Illinois without a valid Illinois driver’s license if they meet one of the following circumstances: Are an out-of-state student attending an Illinois college/university; they and their spouse and children may drive with a valid license from their home state or country”. • Each state sets its own laws regarding driving, so if you plan to drive through other U.S. states, you MUST be sure that your foreign driver’s license will work there as well. • Please note that there is no such thing as an International Driver’s License, but there is an International Driving Permit which is issued in your home country. The International Driving Permit translates your license to make it easier for U.S. officials to read, but by itself does not give you permission to drive in the state of Illinois. How to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License as an International Student: • If you have a Social Security Number 􀃆 you may apply for a State of Illinois Driver’s License • If you do not have a Social Security Number 􀃆 you may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License STATE OF ILLINOIS DRIVER’S LICENSE • A driver’s license is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle (motorcycle, car, truck or bus) on a public roadway. • As most citizens of the U.S. possess a valid driver’s license, it has also become a standard form of picture identification. How to apply for an Illinois Driver’s License: • You must first schedule an appointment to visit a Secretary of State Drivers Facility (also called DMV for Department of Motor Vehicles) . The Driver Services Facility Appointment System allows you to schedule your visit in advance up to 10 business days at select Secretary of State facilities for Illinois driver's license and state ID card services. Click here to view appointment scheduling information. • The closest facility to North Park University is Chicago North, located at 5401 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • The following documentation is needed when you visit the DMV: o Valid Passport and I-94 Admission Number (access through [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ and)[ and](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ and) print a copy) o I-20 form or DS-2019 form issued for at least 1 year of study, with at least 6 months remaining. If you area new or transfer student, please check with the Office of International Affairs to make sure that your SEVIS record has been registered and you have received a continued attendance I-20 (F-1 students). o Social Security Card o Application fee of $30 (payable by cash or debit/credit card) o TWO of the following documents which prove your residency (address) in the state of Illinois: 􀂃 Bank statement, canceled check, official North Park transcript, statement of benefits from insurance company, direct deposit receipt from on campus employment, tuition bill from North Park, official letter on North Park letterhead. See a full list of acceptable documents on [www.cyberdriveillinois.com](www.cyberdriveillinois.com). o Anyone who is 18-20 years old must also present proof of successful completion of the 6 hour adult driver education and training course. What to expect when applying for an Illinois Driver’s License: • You will be required to take a written exam and a road test at the DMV. It is a good idea to read Illinois Rules of the Road before you take the test. In particular, it is important to read the chapter on Driver’s License Exams to find out what you will need to know for the written exam and road test • You will need your own car to take the road test, so have a friend drive you to the DMV. In the United States, citizens are able to register to vote when they apply for

FAQs

Can I drive in Illinois using my home country driver’s license?

Illinois permits out-of-state or international students at Illinois colleges or universities to drive in Illinois with a valid home-state or home-country license under specified circumstances.

Is an International Driver’s License the same as an International Driving Permit?

There is no International Driver’s License. An International Driving Permit translates your license for easier reading but does not, by itself, authorize you to drive in Illinois.

What is a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) and how long is it valid?

A TVDL is issued to non-U.S. citizens temporarily in Illinois who cannot get a Social Security number. It is valid for up to 4 years or the remaining authorized stay time, whichever is shorter, and it includes the note “Not Valid for Identification.”

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob