Illinois State ID Costs $20 for a Standard Card

A standard Illinois state ID card costs $20 and is valid for four years. If you are 65 or older, the card costs $10 and is valid for eight years. The fee covers the card itself and the processing of your process at a Secretary of State facility.

If you need your ID sooner than the standard processing time, Illinois offers a rush service for an additional $25 fee, bringing the total to $45 for standard adults. This gets your card in hand faster, though exact timelines depend on which facility processes your request and current workload.

These prices explore only to the state ID card itself. If you need certified copies of documents to support your process — such as a birth certificate or proof of residency — those documents may carry their own fees from the agencies that issue them, and those costs are separate from the ID fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Illinois state ID costs $20 and lasts four years; seniors 65 and older pay $10 for an eight-year card.
  • Rush processing adds $25 to the fee if you need your ID faster than standard turnaround.
  • You must bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to a Secretary of State facility to explore.
  • Supporting documents like birth certificates are issued by other agencies and may have separate fees.
  • Payment is accepted in cash or card at Secretary of State offices, though payment methods can vary by location.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Before you go to a Secretary of State facility, gather proof of your identity, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a previous Illinois ID or driver's license. If you do not have any of these, a consular report of birth abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization also works.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and cannot produce a document in your own name, a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a document showing your relationship to them, can substitute.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the Secretary of State can verify the number through the Social Security Administration if you do not have the card with you.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

You explore for a state ID at any Secretary of State facility in Illinois. The Secretary of State website lists all locations by county, along with hours and whether each office requires an appointment. Some facilities operate by appointment only; others accept walk-ins during certain hours. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves a trip.

Standard processing takes between one and two weeks from the date you explore. If you choose rush processing for the extra $25, your card typically arrives within three to five business days. Both timelines assume the Secretary of State has no issues verifying your identity or documents. If they need more information from you, the process takes longer.

Once your card is ready, the Secretary of State mails it to the address you provided on your process. You do not pick it up in person at the office.

Who Needs a State ID Instead of a Driver's License

A state ID serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification but does not permit you to drive. You may want a state ID instead of a driver's license if you do not drive, if your driver's license has expired and you need ID quickly, or if you want a second form of identification. Some people use a state ID as a backup when traveling or as proof of age.

Illinois also issues state IDs to people who are not may be able to access for a driver's license — for example, those with medical conditions that prevent safe driving, or those who have had their driving privileges suspended or revoked. In those cases, a state ID is the standard form of government-issued photo ID.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost Card

If your state ID has expired, you can renew it at any Secretary of State facility using the same process and fee as a new process. You will need the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring your expired card if you still have it; it helps speed up verification.

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the Secretary of State and request a replacement. The replacement costs the same $20 fee (or $10 for seniors). You will need to provide the same supporting documents as you would for a new card. If you believe your card was stolen and are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is a separate process outside the Secretary of State.

Payment Methods and What Happens After You explore

Secretary of State facilities accept cash and card payments for the ID fee. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead confirms what your local office takes. The $20 (or $10 for seniors, or $45 with rush processing) is due at the time you explore.

After you pay and submit your documents, the Secretary of State photographs you and takes your fingerprints. They verify your identity and residency information, usually through the Social Security Administration and state databases. If everything checks out, your card is printed and mailed within the timeframe you chose — standard or rush.

If there is a problem — for example, a mismatch in your name or address — the Secretary of State contacts you by phone or mail to resolve it. This can add time to the process, so answer any calls from the Secretary of State promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a state ID online?

No. You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot submit an process by mail or through the Secretary of State website. However, you can check the Secretary of State website to find the nearest office, confirm hours, and schedule an appointment if the location requires one.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid passport, a previous Illinois ID or driver's license, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you have none of these, you can order a birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the state where you were born, though that takes additional time and money.

Do I have to renew my state ID in person?

Yes. Even if you are renewing an expired card, you must go to a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot renew by mail or online.

Is there a fee if I change my name or address on my state ID?

A name change requires a new card and costs the full $20 fee. An address change can sometimes be done at the Secretary of State without a new card, but policies vary by location. Call your local facility to ask whether you need a new card or if an address update is possible without one.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Illinois issues state IDs to non-citizens who have a valid visa or work permit. You will need to bring your visa or permit along with the other required documents. Contact your local Secretary of State facility to confirm what additional documents you need.