What You Need to Know About Illinois Real ID

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Illinois began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and as of May 2025, you need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Illinois driver's license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID.

You do not have to get a Real ID — a standard Illinois driver's license or ID card still works for driving and most everyday purposes. But if you fly within the United States or visit a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear power plant, you will need the Real ID version. The process takes about 15 minutes in person at a Secretary of State office, and you can renew or upgrade an existing license to Real ID status.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person; you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online.
  • Bring a valid passport, passport card, or birth certificate plus proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The fee is $30 for a Real ID driver's license or $20 for a Real ID state ID card, and the card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your current license is not expiring soon, you can upgrade to Real ID without renewing; you will get a new card with the same expiration date as your old one.

Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State

Illinois requires you to prove your identity and your address before issuing a Real ID. Bring one document from each category below.

Proof of identity: A valid U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport. If you were born in Illinois, a certified birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health works. A photocopy is not acceptable — bring the original document.

Proof of current address: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a piece of mail showing your new address.

Your current driver's license or ID card: Bring the Illinois license or ID you already have. If it is expired, bring it anyway — the Secretary of State will accept it as proof of your previous address.

Steps to Upgrade or Renew to Real ID

Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The busiest times are typically mid-morning on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Check the Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

At the window, tell the clerk you want to upgrade to Real ID or renew your license as a Real ID. Hand over your documents. The clerk will take a new photo (unless you renewed within the last year and do not want a new one), verify your information, and process the transaction. You will pay the fee on the spot — $30 for a driver's license or $20 for a state ID card. Real ID costs the same as a standard license, so there is no extra charge to upgrade.

You will receive a receipt with a temporary driving permit number. Your new Real ID card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the receipt until the card arrives. Do not throw away the receipt — keep it in your wallet.

Real ID vs. Standard Illinois License: What Is the Difference

The main visible difference is the gold star in the upper right corner of a Real ID. A standard Illinois driver's license has no star. Both cards work for driving in Illinois and nationwide. Both are valid for voting, opening a bank account, and most other everyday uses.

The difference matters only for federal purposes. A Real ID is accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. A standard license is not — you would need a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. Similarly, federal buildings, military bases, and some government offices require a Real ID or passport for entry. If you do not fly or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient.

Real ID also means your identity was verified more thoroughly. The Secretary of State checked your original birth certificate or passport and your proof of address before issuing it. A standard license requires less documentation.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Birth Certificate

If you were born in Illinois and do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Visit the IDPH vital records website, fill out the request form, and mail it with a check for the certified copy fee (currently $15 to $20, depending on how many copies you want). Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail. You can also order in person at the IDPH office in Springfield, but most people use the mail option.

If you were born outside Illinois, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Each state has different fees and processing times. If you were born outside the United States, your passport is the easiest proof of identity to bring to the Secretary of State — you do not need a birth certificate at all.

If you cannot locate any original identity document, call the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to ask what alternatives they accept. In rare cases, they may accept a combination of documents such as a school record, medical record, or old license.

Real ID for People Who Recently Changed Their Name

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your original identity document (birth certificate or passport) plus the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will verify that the name on your identity document matches your process, then issue the Real ID in your new name.

If your birth certificate shows your old name and you have a marriage certificate or divorce decree, that is enough. You do not need to update your birth certificate first. The Secretary of State accepts the combination of documents as proof that the name change is legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID by mail?

No. Illinois only allows mail renewal for standard driver's licenses, not Real IDs. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person to get or renew a Real ID. This is a federal requirement, not an Illinois choice.

What if my address changed but I do not have a document showing the new address?

Bring a lease or utility bill in your name at the new address plus a piece of government mail (tax return, voter card, or bank statement) showing your name and new address. If you just moved and have no documents yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date.

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for all federal purposes — flying, entering federal buildings, and crossing the border. You do not need a Real ID if you carry your passport. But if you prefer to use your driver's license for flights, you need the Real ID version.

How long does a Real ID last?

An Illinois Real ID driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 69 years old, or eight years if you are 69 or older. When it expires, you can renew it in person at a Secretary of State office, and the new card will also be a Real ID as long as you bring the same documents.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still get a Real ID. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and a police report of the lost license (or a statement that you do not have one). The Secretary of State will issue a new Real ID. You will pay the standard fee, not an extra replacement fee.