SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Noncitizens in Illinois may soon be able to obtain standard driver’s licenses.
A bill awaiting signature on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk would allow for it. Currently, noncitizens are only able to obtain a temporary driver’s license, which can’t be used as a form of identification.
Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) says that limits what noncitizens can do, and believes that should change.
“I think that it’s high time that someone that has a temporary driver’s license transitions to a standard driver’s license, so they can get a prescription from a pharmacy and be able to present themselves at a restaurant or a store,” Villivalam said.
Once it becomes law, noncitizens would be able to get a standard driver’s license by showing proof of car insurance and taking a driver’s test.
They would not be eligible for a Real I.D.
