Jesse White Announces Procedures for Driver’s License for Undocumented Individuals

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Oct. 29 -- The Illinois Secretary of State issued the following news release:

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) for undocumented (non-visa status) individuals will be available -- by appointment only - during a pilot program beginning in early December at four select Driver Services facilities, with a full rollout schedule in January. Joining Secretary White at the press conference were state legislators.

Beginning November 12, TVDL applicants may schedule an appointment by calling 855-236-1155 or visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Advance appointments are required at all designated facilities; walk-ins will not be served.

In December, the first phase of the rollout begins at four locations that will serve scheduled appointments. As of December 3, the TVDL locations are Chicago West, 5301 W. Lexington Ave.

and Springfield, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy. Starting on December 10 locations at Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave. and Bloomington, 1510 W. Market St. will be open. In January 2014, the second phase of the TVDL rollout will be available for scheduled appointments at 21 additional designated facilities statewide. For a complete list of locations, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Public Act 97-1157, signed into law by Governor Quinn earlier this year, established a TVDL for undocumented individuals. The law authorized the Secretary of State's office to administer the program and provided a minimum 10-month delayed effective date for implementation.

"As soon as the General Assembly passed and the governor signed this legislation into law, my office began planning to implement the program in a way that improves road safety, highlights customer service and underscores the importance of license integrity and security," White said. "Through driver license testing, verification of identity, and maintenance of accurate motorist records, this law will improve road safety and guarantee that more drivers will purchase and maintain auto insurance."

White highlighted the differences between a standard driver's license and a TVDL. While the 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:

* Scheduling an appointment with the Secretary of State Driver Services facility online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com or by calling 855-236-1155;

* Presenting various documents providing:

o valid passport from the applicant's native country or a Consular Identification Card from an approved country.

o proof of name,

o written signature,

o date of birth,

o current address and

o 12 months of consecutive residency in Illinois,

* Purchase auto insurance upon receiving TVDL.

A photo of the applicant will be taken and then processed through the state's facial recognition database.

After the documents have been verified for authenticity, applicants will receive their TVDL through U.S. mail at a later date.

"I want to reassure the public that my office is implementing this law thoughtfully, efficiently and effectively," said White. "Over the last 10 months, we worked in collaboration with community organizations and have developed thorough procedures to ensure that the TVDL is a safe and secure document."

Accompanying attachments to this press release include a Quick Guide with a list of documents required to apply for a TVDL, facility locations that will service TVDL applicants, and a flyer illustrating the differences between a TVDL and a standard Illinois driver's license.

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