Your ID number is printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card

On an Illinois state ID or driver's license, your ID number (also called your driver's license number) appears in the upper right area of the front side of the card. It is a nine-digit number printed in black text. This is the number you will need when you are asked for your "ID number" on forms, applications, or when speaking with government offices.

The number is positioned above your photograph on the card. If you are holding your Illinois ID with the front facing you, look to the right of your photo — the nine-digit number will be there. The digits are printed clearly and should be straightforward to read without tilting or angling the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Illinois ID number is a nine-digit number located in the upper right corner of the front of your card, above your photograph.
  • This number is different from your Social Security number and is specific to your Illinois driver's license or state ID.
  • You will need this number when filling out government forms, registering to vote, or contacting state agencies about your ID status.
  • If your card is damaged or the number is not readable, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State to request a replacement card.

How the ID number differs from other numbers on your card

Your Illinois ID card contains several different numbers, and it is important to know which one you need. The ID number in the upper right is the one most forms ask for when they say "driver's license number" or "ID number." This is not your Social Security number, which is a federal number issued by the Social Security Administration.

Your card also displays your date of birth and other personal information, but when a form specifically asks for your "ID number," they are asking for the nine-digit number in the upper right corner. Some forms may ask for your Social Security number separately, so read the form carefully to see which number is being requested.

When you will need to provide your ID number

Government agencies, schools, employers, and other organizations may ask for your Illinois ID number when you are filling out forms or verifying your identity. Common situations include registering to vote, explore for housing information, updating your address with state agencies, or providing proof of identity for background checks.

When you contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or a local driver services facility, have your ID number ready. It helps staff locate your record quickly and confirm that they are looking at the correct person's information. If you do not have your card with you, you can usually provide your name and date of birth instead, but having the number makes the process faster.

What to do if you cannot read your ID number

If your card is worn, faded, or damaged and the number is no longer readable, you will need to request a replacement card from the Illinois Secretary of State. You can visit a driver services facility in person or contact the Secretary of State's office to start the replacement process. Bring your current ID card (even if it is damaged) and be prepared to pay a replacement fee.

The replacement card will arrive by mail within a few weeks. In the meantime, if you need to provide your ID number to a government agency, you can contact the Secretary of State's office and ask them to provide your number over the phone. Have your name, date of birth, and address ready when you call.

How to find your ID number if you lost your card

If you have lost your Illinois ID card, you can still find your ID number by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's office directly. Call their customer service line or visit a driver services facility in person with a form of identification (such as a passport or birth certificate). Staff can look up your number in the system and provide it to you.

Once you have your number, you can use it on forms while you wait for your replacement card to arrive. You will need to order a replacement card, which requires visiting a driver services facility or submitting an process by mail. The new card will have the same ID number as your original card — the number does not change when you replace a lost or damaged card.

Understanding the format of your Illinois ID number

Your Illinois ID number is always nine digits long and contains only numbers (no letters). The format is straightforward: it is straightforward nine digits in a row, such as 123456789. There are no dashes, spaces, or letters mixed in. When you write down your number or type it into a form, include all nine digits exactly as they appear on your card.

The number is unique to you and is assigned when you first receive your Illinois driver's license or state ID. It remains the same throughout your life, even if you renew your card, move to a different address, or change your name. This consistency makes it useful for government agencies and organizations that need to track your records over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Illinois ID number the same as my driver's license number?

Yes. If you have an Illinois driver's license, that number is your ID number. If you have a state ID card (not a driver's license), that card also has an ID number in the same location. Both are nine-digit numbers in the upper right corner of the front of the card.

Can I use my ID number instead of my Social Security number on forms?

No. Forms that ask for your Social Security number are asking for a different number. Your Illinois ID number and your Social Security number are separate. Read the form carefully to see which number is being requested. Some forms ask for both.

What if the number on my card is smudged or partially covered?

Contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or visit a driver services facility. They can look up your correct number in their system. If your card is too damaged to read, you can request a replacement card, which will have the same nine-digit number printed clearly.

Does my ID number change if I renew my license?

No. Your ID number stays the same when you renew your Illinois driver's license or state ID. The number is assigned once and does not change throughout your life, even if you renew multiple times.