Driving in Illinois

Here's what you need to know if you plan to drive while you're studying at Illinois State.

Can I drive with my home country's license?

Only for 90 days. You may drive with a valid license from your home country for up to 90 days after your arrival. Please note that an "International License" is not valid in the State of Illinois.

Can I get an Illinois driver's license?

A driver's license is used for both driving and as a form of identification (when banking, traveling, etc.).

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Illinois driver's license, you must have:

a Social Security Number (SSN)
successfully completed a 6-hour adult driver education course through a certified provider (only if you are 18-20 years old)
work authorization through CPT or OPT
- for CPT, you must bring your I-20
- for OPT, you must bring either your I-20 (Approved status) or your EAD card
If you do not have work authorization through CPT or OPT, you must have:
- a total program length on your I-20/DS-2019 of at least one year
- more than 6 months remaining on your program at the time you apply

Steps to Apply

Review the Rules of the Road
Apply in person at the DMV. The Bloomington DMV is located at 1510 W. Market St., Bloomington, IL 61701. You do not need to apply at the Bloomington DMV, but you must apply at a DMV located within the state of Illinois. Use the Secretary of State Facility Finder to help you locate your preferred DMV office.
NOTE: The Secretary of State issued an announcement on December 29, 2021 that all Illinois Driver Services facilities will be closed from January 3, 2022 through January 17, 2022 due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
Bring the following with you:
- Certificate of Completion for adult driver's education (only if 18-20)
- Passport, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 Printout
- Social Security Card
- One document that verifies your IL address (see Group D on List of Acceptable ID Documents). Most international students at ISU use their ISU tuition statement or their apartment lease agreement.
Pay fee: 18-20 years old = $5; 21-68 years old = $30
You will be asked whether you want to register to vote. You MUST decline.
Pass a vision and written test
Pass a driving test (you must have a vehicle and proof of auto insurance)
- Canadian citizens do NOT need to take the driving test.
- Citizens of England, France, and Germany do not need to take the driving test, if they submit a letter from their country's embassy/consulate.

Can I get an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)?

A temporary visitor driver's license is for driving only and cannot be used as a form of identificaton.

Eligibility

You will need to meet the same eligibility requirements listed above for an Illinois driver's license, except you must be ineligible for a Social Security Number.

Steps to Apply

The Illinois Secretary of State website explains the application requirements and steps for obtaining an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver’s License .

Can I get a State ID card?

A state ID card is for identification only and cannot be used to drive. You must have a Social Security Number to be eligible for an Illinois State ID Card.

The Illinois Secretary of State website explains the application requirements and steps for obtaining an Illinois State ID Card.