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Undocumented In Illinois Can Apply For Driver's License

Illinois_TVDL_License
An example of a temporary visitor's driver's license for Illinois. (Credit: Secretary of States)

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Illinois Secretary of State's office is gearing up to begin approving drivers' licenses for undocumented immigrants.

New Driver's License

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) for undocumented residents will be available by appointment only beginning in early December at four select Driver Services facilities.

The program will expand to other locations in January.

Illinois_Drivers_License
An example of an Illinois driver's license. (Credit: Illinois Secretary Of State)

Beginning Nov. 12, TVDL applicants may schedule an appointment by calling 855-236-1155 or visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Advance appointments are required.

In December, applicants can go to one of four branches to get their temporary license.

On Dec 3, applicants can go to 5301 W. Lexington Ave. in Chicago and 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy in Springfield.

Starting on Dec. 10, the facility at 5401 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago and 1510 W. Market St. in Bloomington will be open.

For a complete list of locations, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

A new state law authorized the Secretary of State's office to administer the program.

A standard driver's license has a red border on top and may be used for driving and identification purposes, the TVDL has a purple border on top and the card is marked: "Not valid for identification."

Without auto insurance, the TVDL is invalid.

Applicants must follow specific guidelines for obtaining a TVDL, which include:

Applicants must provide: a valid passport from the applicant's native country or a Consular Identification Card from an approved country; proof of name; written signature; date of birth; current address and prove 12 months of consecutive residency in Illinois.

The state is issuing warnings to be wary of potential scams.

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez says some of the cons include, "I can expedite your driver's license here, I have this package for you, it only costs $300. It's gone as far as selling the rules of the road those booklets are free.

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