Illinois Undocumented Immigrants Can Start Application Process For Driver's Licenses On Nov. 12

Beginning in just a matter of weeks, undocumented immigrants in Illinois can start the process of applying for driver's licenses as part of a new pilot program signed into state law earlier this year.

Starting Nov. 12, those interested in the licenses can begin scheduling appointments to apply for them, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Those appointments will begin to be processed at two Secretary of State offices on Dec. 3, two more locations will be added on Dec. 10 and more locations will follow in January.

The locations (and when they will start seeing applicants) are as follows:

• 5301 W. Lexington St., Chicago (Dec. 3)
• 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield (Dec. 3)
• 5401 N. Elston Ave., Chicago (Dec. 10)
• 1510 W. Market St., Bloomington (Dec. 10)

No walk-in applications will be accepted, so those interested in the licenses need to set up their appointments by calling 855-236-1155 or online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Secretary of State Jesse White unveiled the specifics of the pilot program Tuesday. Applicants will be required to prove they've lived in Illinois for at least 12 months and also must provide a valid passport from their native country or a consular ID, in addition to offering proof of their name, date of birth and address, CBS Chicago reports.

The licenses will be temporary -- expiring in three years -- and will not be able to be used as identification for uses such as buying a gun or voting.

Proponents of the law have said it will make Illinois roads safer because applicants will need to have insurance to receive a license, in addition to passing vision, written and road driver's tests, the Chicago Tribune reports.