Understanding the “Federal Limits Apply” Illinois Driver’s License for Non-Citizens

As of July 1, 2024, Illinois has adopted a major change in its approach to non-citizen driver’s licenses. The state now offers a standard four-year driver’s license to undocumented immigrants and other non-citizen residents. These licenses bear the label “Federal Limits Apply,” and replace the former Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL), which was limited in both function and appearance. The legal framework supporting this shift is part of the legal trend to expand access to driving privileges, improve public safety, and reduce discrimination across Illinois communities.

Wirth Law, a driver’s license reinstatement law firm, helps individuals understand and navigate these changes—particularly those who have experienced suspensions, revocations, or licensing complications related to immigration status. With locations in Chicago and Naperville, our practice helps individuals legally obtain driving privileges in the Chicagoland area, as well as surrounding rural communities.

Legal Foundation: From TVDL to Federal Limits Apply Licenses

In 2013, the former TVDL system was created, which allowed the Secretary of State to issue a driver’s license to individuals who were ineligible for a Social Security number. Under subsection (a), a license could be issued to someone who provided documentation from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Subsection (a-5) expanded eligibility to individuals who could not provide USCIS documentation but had resided in Illinois for more than one year and could present a valid passport or consular identification document.

Although more than 300,000 TVDLs were issued under this law, the licenses were clearly marked with a purple banner and the phrase “Not Valid for Identification.” These visual markers exposed holders to stigma and discrimination, even when they had lawful presence.

In July of 2024, a new law became effective in Illinois for non-citizen driver’s licenses. With the changes made to 625 ILCS 5/6-105.1, the separate TVDL designation was eliminated and replaced with a standard driver’s license that states, “Federal Limits Apply.” These new licenses cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as boarding airplanes or entering federal buildings, but they otherwise function like any standard driver’s license issued in Illinois.

The shift to a more inclusive licensing system also reflects a broader goal of improving road safety. With more non-citizens now able to take required driving exams and obtain insurance, Illinois roads are expected to see fewer unlicensed and uninsured drivers. Many lawmakers supported this reform to reduce both legal risk and social inequality.

Will the Secretary of State Share Information with Immigration Authorities?

A common concern among applicants is whether information submitted to the Secretary of State could be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies. The law specifically addresses this issue by prohibiting the use of license data for immigration enforcement purposes, except under very limited circumstances.

As of July 1, 2024, immigration authorities must present a court-issued warrant, order, or subpoena to access personal driver information, pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/6-110.3. The Secretary of State’s office has implemented internal policies and staff training to ensure compliance with these protections, helping to prevent unauthorized data sharing or misuse of personal information. The added legal protections are intended to encourage compliance with licensing and insurance laws without fear of immigration consequences.

The Role of a Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney

Navigating the “Federal Limits Apply” license can be complex, especially when an applicant’s driving privileges are revoked or suspended for reasons such as false identification or a DUI conviction in the past. An experienced driver’s license attorney plays a crucial role in helping non-citizens move forward with the Illinois license reinstatement process. At Wirth Law, our services include the following:

• License Reinstatement Hearings. Our office regularly represents revoked drivers at formal and informal license reinstatement hearings. Our representation includes filing for a hearing, obtaining evidence, reviewing testimony, and advocacy at the hearing.
• Fraud Defense and Resolution. We help persons clear up identity issues when they are flagged by the Secretary of State for fake identification cards or facial recognition mismatches.
• Legal Guidance for Suspensions and Revocations. Our law practice has over two decades of experience with driver’s license reinstatement. We regularly work with a variety of Illinois suspensions and revocations, whether related to DUI, criminal offenses, or various traffic offenses.

Wirth Law also helps non-citizens understand what type of driving relief is available in their specific situation. For some, a Restricted Driving Permit may be the most appropriate solution. For others, full reinstatement may be possible. We understand the process of getting a driver’s license back in Illinois and regularly help clients drive again.

Advocating for Fair and Equal Access

Illinois has taken a major step forward by replacing the TVDL with a standard driver’s license that avoids marking non-citizens and undocumented immigrants differently on a license. This change reflects the principle that all residents, regardless of immigration status, deserve equal access to public safety systems and basic services.

By streamlining access and removing discriminatory elements of the licensing process, the new law helps ensure that all drivers are tested, insured, and registered under the same set of rules. This benefits not only immigrant communities but also prioritizes safety for all Illinois residents on the road.

Free Consultations

When an Illinois driver’s license is revoked or suspended, it can impact many areas of a person’s life, including work, school, or family obligations. Wirth Law has been practicing Illinois driver’s license reinstatement law since 2002. We have extensive experience with driver’s license revocations in Illinois and helping revoked drivers get their license back.

Jennifer Wirth, Attorney at Law, has received the Avvo Client Choice Award annually for the last decade, while maintaining a perfect 10.0 rating on Justia. With a win rate of 95% of first-time hearings on an annual basis, our office is committed to providing exceptional client service and outstanding legal representation.

Our office provides free consultations and flat-fee pricing for driver’s license reinstatement services. Contact our office for a free consultation by calling (312) 761-8290 or completing our contact form.