I’m an international student in Illinois and I’m about to graduate, so my driver’s license renewal situation is tied to my immigration documents and OPT timeline.

I’m honestly beyond frustrated with the Champaign DMV. I went there three separate times for my Illinois driver’s license renewal, and every single time I got a different answer from a different staff member.

I had already checked with the Illinois Secretary of State/DMV side and brought all the documents I was told I needed. After wasting my time over and over, I finally got confirmation through a supervisor that, in my situation, a temporary grace-period license can only be issued after [my current license expires + I-20 expires].

Why could nobody tell me that clearly the first time?

I don’t want to single out any individual employee, but the staff I dealt with were shockingly incompetent and inconsistent. It’s ridiculous that international students have to keep taking time off, arranging rides, and showing up in person just to get completely different information each visit.

If the actual rule is “come back after expiration,” then just say that clearly instead of sending people in circles. (But how can I drive to there with fucking EXPIRED DRIVER'S LICENSE???)

I applied on 2/18, had my biometrics on 3/17, and still haven’t received any updates.

I heard that some of 2/18 applicant got approved but can't see any api or a-number updates.

My job starts at 5/18 and it's so stressful and nervous. seems it's too late for pp.