What You Need to Know Before You Go

An Illinois State ID card is issued by the Secretary of State and works as a photo identification when you don't have a driver's license. You can get one in person at a Secretary of State facility, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you bring the right documents. The card costs $20 and is valid for five years (or until age 21 if you're under 18).

You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The Secretary of State accepts documents like a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record for identity; a utility bill or lease for residency; and a Social Security card or W-2 form for your SSN. If you don't have all three categories, you can substitute certain documents — the Secretary of State website lists every acceptable option.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility; there is no online or mail option for a first-time State ID.
  • Bring one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security number proof.
  • The card costs $20 and takes five years to expire, or until you turn 21 if you're under 18.
  • You can find your nearest facility and check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.

Documents You Must Bring

The Secretary of State divides required documents into three categories, and you need at least one from each. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a baptism record, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.

For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and Illinois address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you're homeless or don't have a permanent address, you can use a signed statement from someone who lets you stay with them.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security Administration letter. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why, and the Secretary of State will issue a card without one.

Where to explore and What to Expect

You explore at any Secretary of State facility across Illinois. The Secretary of State website has a facility locator where you can enter your zip code and see the nearest office, its hours, and current wait times. Some facilities are busier than others — smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than downtown Chicago locations.

Walk in during business hours with your documents. You don't need an appointment at most facilities, though some offer appointment slots online. Tell the clerk you want a State ID card. They will check your documents, take a digital photo, and collect the $20 fee. You'll sign the back of the card before you leave. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

You receive the card when ready — you don't have to wait for it to arrive by mail. The card is valid starting the day you receive it.

If You're Under 18

If you're under 18, you must explore in person with a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must bring their own photo ID and sign the process. The documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number can be yours or your parent's — the Secretary of State accepts either.

A State ID for someone under 18 expires on their 21st birthday rather than five years after issue. After you turn 21, you can renew it at a Secretary of State facility, and it will then be valid for five years from the renewal date.

If You've Lost or Damaged Your Card

If you already have an Illinois State ID and it's been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it without bringing all three document categories again. Bring your old card if you have it, or bring one document proving your identity. The replacement fee is $20, the same as a new card.

If your card was stolen, you can also report it to the Secretary of State so it can't be misused. Call the Secretary of State's customer service line or report it in person at any facility.

Name Changes and Address Updates

If your name has changed since your last State ID — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — bring a document proving the change. The Secretary of State accepts a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. You'll need to explore for a new card, which costs $20.

If you've moved within Illinois and want to update your address on your existing card, you can do so at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your current card and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The address update is free and takes a few minutes.

What to Do If You Don't Have Required Documents

If you don't have a birth certificate or passport, you can use other identity documents. A baptism record, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization all work. If you don't have any of those, contact the vital records office in the county or country where you were born — they can issue a certified birth certificate, though it may take several weeks and cost $10 to $30.

If you don't have proof of residency, a signed statement from someone who lets you live with them is acceptable. The statement should include their name, address, phone number, and signature, and confirm that you live there. You can also use a government agency letter addressed to you at your Illinois address.

If you don't have a Social Security number and can't get one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining the reason. The Secretary of State will issue a State ID without a Social Security number on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a State ID card by mail?

No. You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility. There is no mail-in or online option for a first-time State ID card. If you already have a card and only need to update your address, some facilities may allow you to do that by mail, but you should call ahead to confirm.

How long does a State ID card last?

A State ID card is valid for five years from the date you receive it. If you're under 18 when you get the card, it expires on your 21st birthday instead. You can renew it at any Secretary of State facility before or after it expires.

What if I don't have a permanent address?

You can use a signed statement from someone who lets you stay with them as proof of residency. The statement should include their name, address, phone number, and signature. You can also use a letter from a government agency, shelter, or social services organization addressed to you at that location.

Do I need an appointment?

Most Secretary of State facilities accept walk-ins, but some offer appointment slots online. Check the facility locator on the Secretary of State website to see if your local office takes appointments. Even if appointments are available, walk-ins are usually accepted during posted hours.

What if my documents are from another country?

Foreign documents must be certified or notarized. A birth certificate from another country should be an official certified copy. If you have a U.S. passport, that counts as proof of identity and you don't need a birth certificate. For residency, you can use a lease or utility bill in your name at an Illinois address.