Noncitizens living in the state of Illinois will soon be able to apply for a standard driver’s license regardless of their immigration status. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law that will phase out the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) available to noncitizens in the state. The new law takes effect July 1, 2024.

The current TVDLs have a purple strip at the top to indicate the individual’s status. Removing this purple banner will reduce stigma and create a fairer system, according to the Governor. The updated driver’s license will say “Federal Limits Apply” at the top and cannot be used for obtaining a REAL ID for travel purposes.

The current TVDLs indicate individuals’ status as undocumented or having a temporary visa, and may expose them to potential discrimination or immigration enforcement per Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

Illinois was one of the first states in the country to offer TVDLs. Supporters of the new program believe it enhances road safety because individuals must pass a road test and have liability insurance. There are approximately 300,000 people in Illinois with TVDLs.

To be eligible for a standard driver’s license, the same process currently used for TVDLs applies. The individual must have lived in Illinois for over a year and provide U.S. immigration documentation. If they don’t have documentation, they can show a passport or consular card that does not expire within two years. This process ensures that noncitizens are not automatically added to the voter registry, which is part of Illinois’ automatic voter registration process. Additionally, the law prohibits sharing driver information with immigration officials unless they have a warrant, court order, or subpoena.

If you have any questions about immigration-related matters, please contact us. We work with our clients every step of the way.