What to bring to the Secretary of State office for Real ID

To get a Real ID driver's license or state ID card in Illinois, you need to bring four categories of documents to your local Secretary of State office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. You cannot mail these in—you must appear in person. The office staff will review your documents on the spot, take your photo, and collect your signature.

Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your Illinois driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Without it, you would need a passport or other federal ID for those purposes. Illinois began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and the federal requirement took effect in May 2025, so any new license you get now will be Real ID by default.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security, residency, and lawful status.
  • A birth certificate counts as identity proof only if it is a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return can prove your Social Security number.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days proves residency.
  • You must appear in person at a Secretary of State office; documents cannot be mailed in.

Proof of identity documents

You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and either a photo or a signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. So does a certified birth certificate—but it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, embossed seal, or official stamp. A photocopy or a birth certificate printed from an online vital records system does not count.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, order a certified birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks by mail. You can also request it in person at some county clerk offices if you live near one. Bring your certified birth certificate to the Secretary of State office along with your other three documents.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your actual Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your full Social Security number. An IRS tax return, W-2, or 1099 form counts. So does a Social Security statement from ssa.gov, which you can print for free. A pay stub with your full Social Security number also works.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document handy, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your office visit. That takes about two weeks. Alternatively, bring a tax return or pay stub to the Secretary of State office—you do not need the card itself.

Proof of residency

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Illinois address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. A bank or credit card statement counts too. The document must show your name and address; a bill addressed to "Resident" or a former address will not be accepted.

If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, ask your utility company for a printed statement or check your online account for a statement you can print. If you rent and your lease does not show the current date, bring a recent utility bill instead. The 60-day window is strict—a bill from three months ago will not work.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

You need one document showing you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate (the same certified copy you used for identity) counts. A Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card (green card) also works. A valid unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A card shows lawful status if you are not a citizen.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, order a Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a Certificate of Naturalization from the court where you naturalized. These take several weeks to arrive. In the meantime, you can use your green card or valid foreign passport with I-94 documentation if you have it.

What to do at the Secretary of State office

Bring all four documents to your nearest Secretary of State facility. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can schedule one online at cyberdriveillinois.com to skip the wait. Arrive during regular business hours—most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.

The staff will review your documents, ask you to sign a form, take your photo, and collect your fee. A Real ID driver's license costs the same as a standard license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If any of your documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back.

Common mistakes that delay your visit

The most frequent problem is bringing a birth certificate that is not certified. A photocopy, a certified copy without a seal, or a document printed from an online vital records portal will be rejected. Order a certified copy with a raised or embossed seal before you go.

The second common issue is a residency document that is too old or does not show your current address. Check the date on your utility bill or lease—it must be dated within 60 days of your visit. If you moved recently, bring a bill from your new address, not your old one.

A third mistake is bringing a Social Security card when you could have brought a tax return or pay stub instead. If your card is lost or damaged, do not wait for a replacement—bring a W-2 or tax return instead and save yourself time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. You must bring an official certified copy with a raised seal, embossed seal, or official stamp from the state vital records office. A photocopy or a document printed from an online system will not be accepted. Order a certified copy from the state where you were born.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, tax return, 1099 form, pay stub, or Social Security statement instead. Any document showing your full Social Security number counts. You do not need the card itself.

Do I need to make an appointment at the Secretary of State office?

No, but you can schedule one online at cyberdriveillinois.com to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations during regular business hours, though hours vary by office.

How long does it take to get my Real ID card after my visit?

You receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic Real ID card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If your documents are incomplete, you will need to return with the missing items before the card is issued.

Can I mail my documents to the Secretary of State instead of going in person?

No. You must appear in person at a Secretary of State office. The staff will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your signature during your visit.