Illinois State ID Costs

An Illinois state ID card costs $20 if you are getting one for the first time. If you are renewing an ID that is expiring or expired, the cost is also $20. If your ID was lost or stolen, a replacement costs $20. The Secretary of State's office does not charge different rates based on age, so the price is the same whether you are 16 or 66.

You pay this fee when you visit a Driver Services facility in person. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. Some facilities may have limits on payment methods, so calling ahead to confirm is worth doing if you only have one way to pay.

The $20 fee covers the card itself and the processing. There are no hidden charges added later, and the state does not charge you to mail the card to your address — that is included in the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Illinois state ID costs $20, whether you are getting one for the first time, renewing an expiring card, or replacing a lost one.
  • You must visit a Driver Services facility in person to get an ID; you cannot order one by mail or online.
  • The card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your appointment.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a photo ID or birth certificate to your appointment.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Before you go to a Driver Services facility, gather your Social Security number, a photo ID or certified birth certificate, and proof that you live in Illinois. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a photo ID and do not have a birth certificate, you can bring other documents instead — the Secretary of State's website lists what counts as acceptable proof of identity. Having the right documents ready means your appointment will move faster and you will not have to reschedule.

How Long It Takes to Get Your Card

The card itself is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment. You will get a receipt at the facility that you can use as a temporary ID if you need one right away, though not all businesses or agencies will accept it. The temporary receipt is valid for 30 days.

If you need the card faster, Illinois does not offer expedited processing or rush delivery. The standard timeline is the only option available through the Secretary of State.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

Illinois has Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State's website by entering your zip code. Many facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited evening or Saturday hours.

You do not need to make an appointment at most facilities — you can walk in during operating hours. However, some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Checking the website for your specific facility before you go tells you whether you can walk in or need to reserve a time slot.

Who Needs a State ID Instead of a Driver's License

A state ID is for people who do not drive or do not have a driver's license. It serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification — you can use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, open a bank account, or prove your age. The main difference is that a state ID does not give you permission to drive.

If you already have a valid driver's license, you do not need a state ID. If your driver's license expires and you do not plan to drive anymore, you can get a state ID instead of renewing the license. The cost and process are the same.

What Happens If Your ID Expires

An Illinois state ID is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it at any Driver Services facility for the same $20 fee. You do not have to wait until the expiration date — you can renew it up to one year before it expires.

If your ID has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to bring updated proof of residency when you renew, since the address on your old card might no longer be current. Bringing a recent utility bill or lease is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a state ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. The Secretary of State requires a Social Security number to issue a state ID. If you do not have one, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration first to obtain a number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you can get an Illinois ID.

What if I moved to Illinois recently and still have an out-of-state ID?

You can get an Illinois state ID at any time after you move. Bring proof of your new Illinois address (such as a lease or utility bill dated within the last 60 days) along with your out-of-state ID and Social Security number. You do not have to wait any specific length of time after moving.

Can I renew my state ID online or by mail?

No. All state ID transactions — new cards, renewals, and replacements — must be done in person at a Driver Services facility. The Secretary of State does not offer online or mail-in renewal for state IDs.

What if my name has changed since my last ID?

Bring proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents. The facility will issue a new card with your current legal name at no extra charge beyond the standard $20 fee.