Illinois driver's license assistance for residents without Social Security Number in Chicago
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Illinois Driver's License Without Social Security Number

The Same Standard License — No SSN Required

Illinois eliminated the TVDL and now issues a standard driver's license to residents without a Social Security Number. No more "Temporary Visitor" card marked "Not Valid for Identification." Your new license says "Driver's License" — the same card everyone else carries.

Standard Illinois Driver's License
Written Test Available in Spanish
Bilingual Driving Instructors
Hablamos Espanol
Call: (773) 279-8522Start My License Process

Sound Familiar?

You've been told you can't get a license without a Social Security Number
You're driving without a license and worried every time you see a police car
You tried to apply at the Secretary of State but didn't know what documents to bring
You've heard about TVDL but don't know if it still exists or how to start
Here's What Changed

What Changed in 2024

Illinois replaced the TVDL with a standard driver's license

Before

TVDL card marked "Not Valid for Identification"

Now

Standard driver's license — valid as everyday ID

Before

Separate "Temporary Visitor" license category

Now

Same license card as every other IL resident

Before

Looked different — easy to identify at a glance

Now

Identical to every other IL driver's license

Before

Had to explain what a TVDL was

Now

Just a regular Illinois driver's license

The requirements to qualify are the same — what changed is the license itself. The new card says "Federal Limits Apply," which only means it can't be used for TSA or federal buildings.

What You Need to Qualify

Requirements for a first-time standard driver's license without SSN

Identity

  • Passport (any country) or consular card
  • Consular cards accepted only from: Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil
  • All other countries: passport required

Residency

  • One document showing 12 months of IL residency (dated 12+ months before application)
  • One document showing current address (dated within 90 days)
  • Bank statements, credit card statements, utility bills, leases, or tax documents

Insurance

  • Proof of insurance for the vehicle used in your road test
  • Required when you visit the Secretary of State

Education

  • 6-hour adult driver education course (ages 18–20)
  • Not required if you are 21 or older

Tests

  • Vision screening at the Secretary of State
  • Written test (available in Spanish)
  • Behind-the-wheel road test

Not sure if your documents qualify? We review them before you go. The Secretary of State fee is $30 for a first-time license.

Ready to get started? We'll review your documents and walk you through every step.

Call Us: (773) 279-8522

How We Help You Get Your License

Driver's License Service

Duration

30 Days to Complete

Format

Walk-In Study + Assistance

Service Includes:

Review your documents and confirm you qualify before you visit the Secretary of State
Provide written test study materials and practice exams
One-on-one tutoring sessions for the written test
Walk you through the entire Secretary of State process step by step
Prepare you for the vision, written, and road tests
Offer walk-in study hours — come in whenever your schedule allows
Follow-up support if you need additional help
Hablamos espanol — toda la instruccion disponible en espanol

Driver's License Service

$125

Comprehensive support included

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How It Works

Simple 3-Step Process

1

Bring Your Documents

Call or walk in with your documents. We review everything and tell you if you qualify — before you make a trip to the Secretary of State.

2

Study and Prepare

Study for the written test at our school during open hours — no appointment needed. We provide practice exams and one-on-one help in English or Spanish.

3

Pass Your Tests

Take your vision and written tests at the Secretary of State, then schedule your road test. We prepare you for every step.

Why Families in Chicago Trust Us

Hablamos Espanol

All instruction and support available in Spanish. From your first visit to your last test — we speak your language.

Document Review Before You Go

We check your documents before you visit the Secretary of State so you don't waste a trip with the wrong paperwork.

Study on Your Schedule

Walk in during school hours to study — no appointment needed. Fit your test prep around your work and family schedule.

Written Test + Road Test Prep

We prepare you for both the written test and the road test. Practice exams, tutoring, and behind-the-wheel training all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TVDL still available in Illinois?

No. Illinois eliminated the TVDL program and replaced it with a standard driver's license for all residents — including those without a Social Security Number. If you currently hold a TVDL, you can switch to the new standard license for just $5 with no additional tests, either online at ILSOS.gov/TVDL or in person at a DMV.

What documents do I need to get a license without an SSN?

You need a passport or consular card to verify your identity. Consular cards are accepted only from Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil — applicants from all other countries need a passport. You also need one document showing 12 months of Illinois residency, one document showing your current address (dated within 90 days), and proof of auto insurance. The Secretary of State fee is $30.

Is the written test available in Spanish?

Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State offers the written driver's license test in Spanish, as well as several other languages. We provide study materials and practice exams in Spanish to help you prepare.

Do I need to take a driving course?

If you are between 18 and 20 years old, Illinois requires a 6-hour adult driver education and training course. If you are 21 or older, the course is not required — but you still need to pass the vision screening, written test, and road test.

How long does the process take?

Most people complete the process within 30 days. You can study for the written test at our school during walk-in hours — no appointment needed. The timeline depends on how quickly you gather your documents and schedule your tests at the Secretary of State.

What does the new license look like?

The new license is a standard Illinois driver's license — the same card every other Illinois resident receives. It says "Federal Limits Apply," which only means it cannot be used for TSA or federal buildings. This marking is not unique to you — it appears on all non-REAL ID licenses. The old TVDL said "Not Valid for Identification" — the new license does not.

I already have a TVDL. Do I need to retake the tests?

No. If you currently hold a TVDL, you can switch to the new standard driver's license for $5 with no tests required. You can do it online at ILSOS.gov/TVDL or in person at any DMV. You just need your current TVDL number and card.

Service Policies & Terms

Document Assistance Policy

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: We DO NOT help obtain documents. We review documents you already have to determine if they meet driver's license requirements. Some applicants may not qualify if they lack necessary documentation. Document acquisition is your responsibility.

Study Schedule Policy

Students have 30 days to complete course requirements. No appointments necessary at our school — study during school hours at your convenience. Course materials and guidance are available throughout your enrollment period. Please note: While we don't require appointments for studying here, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State for your actual test and application.

Service Limitations

Our service includes document review, course instruction, and test preparation. We cannot guarantee Secretary of State approval as final decisions rest with state authorities. Qualification depends on having proper documentation.

Payment Terms

Full payment required upon enrollment. Fee covers course access, materials, and consultation services. Secretary of State processing fees are separate and paid directly to the state.

Ready to Get Your Illinois Driver's License?

No Social Security Number needed. Hablamos espanol. We walk you through every step.

Call: (773) 279-8522Start My License Process
Call or email us — we're ready to help
Illinois Driver's License Without SSN | TVDL Replacement Chicago | Master Driving School