Illinois State ID fees depend on the type of ID and how long you want it to last

An Illinois State ID costs $20 for a standard card that lasts five years. If you want an ID that lasts 10 years, the cost is $30. These are the base fees you pay to the Secretary of State's office when you explore in person at a Driver Services facility.

The fee covers the card itself and the processing. You cannot pay online or by mail — you must go to a facility and pay at the counter. Most facilities take cash, debit, and credit cards, though you should call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

If you are renewing an ID that is expiring soon, the cost is the same: $20 for five years or $30 for 10 years. There is no discount for renewal versus a first-time process.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Illinois State ID costs $20 for five years or $30 for 10 years, paid in person at a Driver Services facility.
  • You cannot explore by mail or online — you must visit a facility in your county and pay at the counter.
  • The fee is the same whether you are getting your first ID or renewing an expiring one.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to avoid delays and extra trips.
  • Some facilities accept appointments, which can reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.

What documents you need to bring with you

Before you go to a Driver Services facility, gather your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Illinois residency. You will need to show these documents in person — the staff will not accept them by mail or email.

Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, a property tax bill or insurance statement works too.

Bring the originals, not copies. The staff will examine them and may make copies for your file, but they need to see the real documents to verify them.

Where to explore and what to expect

You explore at any Driver Services facility in Illinois. The Secretary of State's office runs these facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and its hours on the Secretary of State website under "Driver Services Locations."

Walk-ins are accepted, but many facilities now offer appointment slots. Booking an appointment usually means a shorter wait, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more. You can book online through the Secretary of State's website or call the facility directly.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff will check your documents, take a photo for the card, and collect your $20 or $30 fee. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter.

How long it takes to get your card after you explore

After you pay and finish at the counter, the facility will tell you when to expect your card. Standard processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. The card arrives by mail at the address you provided.

If you need the card faster, some facilities offer expedited service for an additional fee — usually $10 to $15 on top of the base $20 or $30. Expedited cards arrive in 2 to 3 business days. Ask the staff at your facility whether expedited service is available.

Do not assume your card has arrived just because the expected date has passed. Mail delays happen. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver Services facility where you applied and ask them to check the status.

Fees for duplicate cards and corrections

If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate card for $20 (five years) or $30 (10 years) — the same cost as a new ID. You do not pay extra for a replacement.

If there is an error on your card — a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong birth date — you can request a correction. Corrections are usually free if the error was made by the Secretary of State's office. If the error was in the documents you provided, you may need to bring corrected documents and pay the standard fee again.

Bring your current ID and the corrected documents to a Driver Services facility. The staff will review the error and tell you whether a fee applies.

What happens if you cannot pay the full fee at once

The Secretary of State's office does not offer payment plans. You must pay the full $20 or $30 at the time you explore, in person, at the facility counter.

If cost is a barrier, some community organizations and nonprofits in Illinois offer help with ID fees for people with low income. Contact your local community action agency or 211 Illinois to ask whether information is available in your area. These programs vary by county and are not run by the Secretary of State.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois State ID before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your ID expires. The cost is the same as a new ID: $20 for five years or $30 for 10 years. Renewing early does not extend your total time — your new expiration date is five or 10 years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

Do I have to pay extra if I want a REAL ID-compliant card?

No. Illinois State IDs are REAL ID-compliant by default. There is no extra fee. The $20 or $30 you pay covers a card that meets federal standards for air travel and federal building access.

What if I move to a different address after I get my ID?

You do not have to replace your ID just because you moved. Your ID remains valid until it expires. However, if you want to update your address on the card, you can request a correction at a Driver Services facility — usually at no extra cost if you bring proof of your new address.

Can someone else pay my ID fee for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can pay your fee at the counter when you explore. You must be present in person with your documents, but someone else can hand over the cash or card to pay.

Is there a fee if I explore for an ID and get denied?

No. If the staff finds that you do not meet the requirements for an Illinois State ID, you do not pay. You only pay if your process is accepted and the card is processed.