What You Need to Know Before You Go

An Illinois State ID card is a photo identification issued by the Secretary of State's office. It is not a driver's license — it does not let you drive — but it works as a valid ID for banks, airports, voting, and age verification. You can get one in person at a Secretary of State facility, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents with you.

The main requirement is proof of your legal name and date of birth. You will also need to prove your address and your Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, you need proof of lawful status. The card costs $20 and is valid for five years (ten years if you are 69 or older).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with a valid birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
  • The ID card costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes to issue if your documents are in order.
  • You can renew by mail if your card is not damaged and you have not changed your name or address since the last card was issued.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring a document proving your lawful status, such as a green card or visa.
  • The card is valid for five years, or ten years if you are 69 or older at the time of issue.

Documents You Must Bring

Start with proof of legal name and date of birth. An original or certified birth certificate works best. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization also works. If your birth certificate has your maiden name and you have changed your name since, bring both the birth certificate and a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days with your current address on it. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver's license or expired ID card does not count as proof of address, even if the address is current.

You will need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be ready to state the number when you explore. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask the Secretary of State office which ones before you go.

If you were born outside the United States, bring proof of lawful status. A green card, visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival/departure record all work. A passport from your country of origin does not count as proof of lawful status on its own.

Finding and Visiting a Secretary of State Facility

The Secretary of State runs about 170 driver services facilities across Illinois. You do not need an appointment for a State ID card — you can walk in during business hours. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, click "Find a Driver Services Facility," and enter your city or ZIP code. The site shows hours, which vary by location. Many facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules or weekend hours.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. Do not bring photocopies unless the Secretary of State's website says a photocopy is acceptable for that specific document. Arrive early if possible — wait times are usually shorter in the morning and on weekdays. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any forms by hand.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you want a State ID card, not a driver's license. Hand over your documents. The clerk will check them, ask you to confirm your information, and take your photo. You will pay $20 by cash, check, or card, depending on what the facility accepts. Your card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your Documents Are Missing or Incomplete

If you show up without proof of address or your birth certificate, the clerk will tell you what is missing and send you home. You cannot get the ID that day. Go home, gather the missing document, and come back. There is no penalty for returning — you just start over.

If your birth certificate is a photocopy and not certified, it will not be accepted. A certified copy has a raised seal or an official stamp from the vital records office that issued it. You can order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born — most vital records offices take orders online or by mail and mail the copy to you within one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you need a certified copy.

If your name on your birth certificate does not match your current legal name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have that document, you will need to order a certified copy from the court or county clerk before you can get your ID.

Renewing Your State ID by Mail

If your card is not damaged, your name has not changed, and your address is the same as on your current card, you can renew by mail instead of going in person. You do not need to visit a facility.

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the renewal form for State ID cards. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address on the form. Include your current ID card or a photocopy of it. The Secretary of State will mail your new card to you within 7 to 10 business days after they receive your process.

If your card is damaged, cracked, or faded, you must go in person. If your name or address has changed, you also must go in person — you cannot renew by mail.

After Your Card Arrives

Your new State ID card will arrive in the mail at the address you provided. Check it right away to make sure your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If there is an error, go back to the Secretary of State facility with your card and ask them to correct it. Corrections are usually free.

Your card is valid for five years from the date it was issued. If you are 69 or older when you get the card, it is valid for ten years. Write the expiration date somewhere you will remember it so you know when to renew.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement. Go to a Secretary of State facility with proof of your identity and address, pay $20, and they will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a State ID card if I do not have a birth certificate?

You need some document that proves your legal name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization all work instead of a birth certificate. If you have none of these, contact the Secretary of State office in your area — they can tell you what other documents might work.

How long does it take to get my card after I explore?

The card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you explore in person or mail in your renewal form. Business days do not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive it after 10 business days, call the Secretary of State's customer service line.

What if I moved since my last ID card was issued?

You must go in person to get a new card with your updated address. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. Bring your current ID card and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

Can I use a State ID card to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A State ID card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints. It counts as a valid form of identification for domestic flights.

What is the difference between a State ID card and a driver's license?

A State ID card is photo identification only — it does not give you permission to drive. A driver's license does both: it identifies you and gives you legal permission to operate a vehicle. If you need to drive, you must get a driver's license, not a State ID card.