The State of Illinois has started scheduling appointments for it’s new program: Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs). This form is a legal document which allows foreign-born individuals residing in Illinois to drive. This will mean, that for the first time, undocumented immigrants in Illinois will have a path to obtaining a drivers license.
The TVDL program begins on Nov. 12, permitting people to set up appointments at one of several Secretary of State offices (See below). Those interested in the licenses will need to show proof they have lived in Illinois for more than one year, have a valid passport from their native country, as well as papers confirming their name, date of birth and address.When granted, the license will run for three years.
The locations (and when they will start seeing applicants) are as follows:
•5301 W. Lexington St., Chicago (Dec. 3)
•2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield (Dec. 3)
•5401 N. Elston Ave., Chicago (Dec. 10)
•1510 W. Market St., Bloomington (Dec. 10)
No walk-in applications will be accepted, so those interested in the licenses need to set up their appointments by calling 855-236-1155 or online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
The Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) program has caused some controversy on both sides, with those opposed fearing that it will “Reward Illegal immigrants,” and those seeking a legal way to drive worried that they will not have all of the document necessary to satisfy the State of Illinois.
” I have friends that have lived and worked in Illinois for years, but have been afraid to put things like utility bills in their names” said Carmen Rodriguez.
In addition to allowing people to drive, the licenses can be used as a form of identification, but can NOT be used for buying a gun or voting. This will give “Undocumented” drivers a legal way to drive and the ability to purchase Auto Insurance. This will help protect both the newly licensed as well as other drivers by reducing the number of people driving without car insurance.
