What You Need to Know Before You Go

An Illinois ID card is a state-issued photo identification that proves who you are. It is not a driver's license — you do not need to pass a driving test to get one. You can use it at banks, airports, bars, and anywhere else that asks for ID. The process takes about 15 minutes at a Secretary of State office, though you will need to bring specific documents and pay a fee.

Illinois offers two types of ID cards: a standard ID and a REAL ID-compliant ID. The REAL ID version costs more but works for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Both are valid for four or six years depending on your age.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get an Illinois ID.
  • A standard Illinois ID costs $20 and is valid for four years if you are under 69, or six years if you are 69 or older.
  • A REAL ID-compliant card costs $30 and meets federal requirements for flying and entering federal buildings.
  • You can find your nearest Secretary of State office and check wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.

Documents You Must Bring

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you are renewing an expired Illinois ID, you can use that expired ID as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. A government check or tax return also counts. You cannot use a post office box as your address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or other document that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask the Secretary of State office which ones before you go.

Where to Go and What to Expect

You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Illinois has offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have waits of an hour or more in the afternoon. Scheduling an appointment online usually gets you in faster. The appointment system shows available times at each location.

Bring all your documents, arrive early, and have your Social Security number memorized or written down. The process itself takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will answer questions about your address, sign a form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary ID on paper that day; your plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Cost and Payment Methods

A standard Illinois ID card costs $20. A REAL ID-compliant card costs $30. If you are renewing an expired ID, the cost is the same.

Secretary of State offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have ATMs on site if you need cash. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

Standard ID Versus REAL ID

A standard Illinois ID works for most everyday purposes: proving your age, opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight (if you also have a passport), or entering a state building. It costs $20 and is valid for four years if you are under 69, or six years if you are 69 or older.

A REAL ID-compliant card meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It costs $30 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building if you do not have a passport. The card looks similar to a standard ID but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It is valid for the same length of time as a standard ID.

If you are not sure which one you need, a standard ID is fine for most situations. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by returning to a Secretary of State office and paying the $10 difference.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost ID

If your Illinois ID has expired, you can renew it by visiting a Secretary of State office with the same documents you would bring for a new ID. Your expired ID counts as proof of identity, so you do not need a birth certificate or passport.

If your ID is lost or stolen, report it to the Secretary of State office when you explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency as you would for a new ID. There is no extra fee for a replacement.

You can also renew by mail if your ID expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your address. read the renewal form from the Secretary of State website, include a new photo, and mail it with your expired ID and the renewal fee. This takes longer than visiting in person — usually three to four weeks.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

Illinois does not offer remote ID issuance. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person to have your photo taken and sign the process. There is no exception for people who live far away or have mobility issues.

If you cannot travel to an office, ask a family member or trusted person to help you find the closest location and schedule an appointment. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so it may be worth traveling to a different county if the nearest office has long delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other documents that prove your identity and residency. Contact your local Secretary of State office before you go to find out exactly which documents they need from you.

How long does it take to get my ID card in the mail?

Your plastic card usually arrives within two weeks of your visit. You receive a temporary paper ID on the day you explore that you can use when ready. If your card does not arrive after three weeks, contact the Secretary of State office where you applied.

Can I change my name on my Illinois ID?

Yes. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change, along with your regular proof of identity and residency. The fee is the same as a new ID.

What if I moved to Illinois from another state?

You can get an Illinois ID even if you just arrived. Bring proof of your new Illinois address (a lease, utility bill, or other document dated within 60 days), your out-of-state ID or passport, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to wait any length of time after moving.

Can I get an Illinois ID if I am under 18?

Yes. Minors can get an Illinois ID with the same documents as adults. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore. The ID is valid for four years and costs $20, the same as for adults.