On January 27, 2013, Governor Quinn signed into law an expansion of the already existing TVDL laws, making it possible for those without a Social Security number to obtain an actual Illinois Driver’s License. The license would be purple, not valid for air travel, and not automatically renewable, but it still represented an opportunity that thousands eagerly anticipated.

Harter & Schottland posted about this law many months ago, and now, as we enter fall, implementation of the new policies is imminent. The law was to go into effect on November 28, 2013, according to Public Act 097-1157.

While not necessarily a sign of delay, an official flyer from the Illinois Secretary of State stated that “Under Public Act 97-1157, immigrants who cannot obtain a Social Security card may apply for a TVDL, beginning in early December 2013.” The Secretary of State also suggested when the law was signed that “Applicants may begin applying for TVDLs approximately 10 months from this date,” whereas the statute itself set November 28 as the effective date.

It seems the Secretary of State is distinguishing between having the policies in place and actually accepting applications. Hopefully, the delay will not be significant.

Regardless of whether applications begin in November or December, now is the time to review your driving abstract and resolve any issues that could prevent you from obtaining a license. Come and see us for a free consultation.

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