What you need to bring to the Secretary of State office

An Illinois State ID is a photo identification card issued by the Secretary of State that proves who you are. Unlike a driver's license, it does not give you permission to drive. You get one by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person with the right documents.

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The acceptable documents vary depending on your situation, but common ones include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for residency, and your Social Security card or a W-2 form for your number.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you. If you cannot read or write English, you can bring someone to help you, but that person cannot be a relative or someone with a financial interest in your case.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
  • A state ID costs $20 and is valid for five years if you are under 21, or ten years if you are 21 or older.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail, or you can pay extra for a same-day ID at some locations.
  • If you have changed your name, been convicted of certain crimes, or have an outstanding warrant, you may face delays or denial.

Documents that prove your identity

The Secretary of State accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or an original or certified birth certificate all work. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship also count.

If you do not have any of those, you can use an expired Illinois driver's license or state ID, a valid out-of-state driver's license, a valid military ID, or a valid tribal ID. Some people bring a combination—for example, a birth certificate plus a school ID or work ID—if they do not have a single document the state recognizes on its own.

If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. If you have changed your name since the document was issued, bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Documents that prove where you live

You need something dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work. So do a bank or credit card statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead.

If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. The letter must include their signature, the address, and the date. Some Secretary of State offices also accept an affidavit of residence, which is a sworn statement you sign in front of a notary public.

Mail addressed to a PO box does not count as proof of residency. If you are homeless, ask the Secretary of State office what documents they will accept—some offices have different rules for people without a permanent address.

How to find your nearest Secretary of State office and make an appointment

The Secretary of State website has a facility locator where you can search by city or ZIP code. Not every office offers the same services, so check the listing for your nearest location to confirm it issues state IDs.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Some locations are busier than others, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you want to avoid waiting, many offices let you book a time slot online through the Secretary of State website. Check your specific office's page to see if appointments are available.

A few offices offer expedited service for an extra fee. If you need your ID the same day, call ahead to ask whether your location does same-day processing and what the cost is.

What happens after you submit your process

The Secretary of State mails your ID to the address you provide, usually within two weeks. You will receive a receipt at the office that shows your process was accepted. Keep that receipt until your ID arrives.

If there is a problem with your process—missing documents, a name mismatch, or an issue with your background—the Secretary of State will contact you by mail or phone. This can add time to the process. If you have an outstanding warrant, a felony conviction, or certain other criminal history, your process may be denied or delayed while the office investigates.

Once your ID arrives, check it for errors. If the name, address, or photo is wrong, return to the office with your ID and a corrected process. Corrections are usually free if they are the office's mistake.

The cost and how long the card lasts

A standard state ID costs $20. If you want it mailed to you, that is the only cost. If you choose same-day service at a location that offers it, you will pay an additional fee—call your office to ask what that is, as it varies.

Your ID is valid for five years if you are under 21, or ten years if you are 21 or older. When it expires, you can renew it by mail or in person. Renewal by mail costs $20 and takes about two weeks. Renewal in person at a Secretary of State office also costs $20.

If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement for $20. Bring your receipt from the original process if you have it, or just bring your identity and residency documents again.

Situations that may delay or prevent you from getting a state ID

If you have been convicted of certain felonies, the Secretary of State may deny your process or ask for more information before issuing your ID. The same is true if you have an outstanding warrant or if your name appears on the sex offender registry.

If your Social Security number does not match the name on your identity document, or if there is a discrepancy between your documents, the office will contact you to resolve it. Bring additional documents that explain the mismatch—for example, if you changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate.

If you have applied for a state ID before and it was denied, contact the Secretary of State office directly to find out why. You may be able to reapply once the issue is resolved, or you may need to provide additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Social Security number is required. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a state ID. Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the SSA showing your number.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. That usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport, passport card, or another accepted identity document if you have one.

Do I need a state ID if I have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves as photo ID and is accepted everywhere a state ID is. You only need a state ID if you do not drive or do not have a valid driver's license.

Can someone else pick up my state ID for me?

No. You must pick it up yourself or authorize someone in writing. Some offices allow you to have your ID mailed to you instead, which is usually easier than arranging for someone else to collect it.

What if my address changes after I get my state ID?

You do not have to update your ID unless you want to. Your ID remains valid until it expires, even if the address on it is no longer current. If you want a new ID with your current address, you can explore for a replacement for $20.