What You Need to Get an Illinois State ID

An Illinois State ID is a photo identification card issued by the Secretary of State's office. You do not need a driver's license to get one — it is a separate ID that proves your identity and age. You can use it at banks, airports, bars, and anywhere else that asks for government-issued ID.

To get a State ID in Illinois, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you.

The ID itself costs $20 and is valid for five years if you are under 21, or ten years if you are 21 or older. Processing usually takes a few minutes at the facility, and you walk out with your card the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility — there is no online or mail option for first-time State IDs.
  • Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your address, and know your Social Security number.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you.
  • The card costs $20 and you receive it the same day you explore.
  • Your ID is valid for five years (under 21) or ten years (21 and older).

Documents You Must Bring

The Secretary of State requires specific documents, and originals are usually required — photocopies do not work. Bring one of these as proof of identity: your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. If your birth certificate is not certified (has a raised seal), it will not be accepted.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address together, such as a paycheck stub and a bank statement.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, write it down before you go. You will also need to know your Illinois driver's license number if you have one, though this is not required to get a State ID.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

The Secretary of State operates driver services facilities across Illinois. You can find the location nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Facilities are in most counties, and many are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments, but this varies by facility.

You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some facilities now use an online reservation system. Check your local facility's page to see if reservations are required or recommended. Walk-in times can be long, especially at busy urban locations, so arriving early in the day or mid-week usually means shorter waits.

Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the $20 fee. You leave with your State ID card in hand the same day.

If You Are Under 18

A parent or legal guardian must come with you to explore for a State ID if you are under 18. Both of you will need to bring identification. The parent or guardian should bring their own government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or State ID) to prove their identity.

The minor's documents (birth certificate, proof of address, Social Security number) still explore. The parent or guardian does not need to bring separate proof of address unless they are also explore for an ID at the same time.

If you are 17 or older, some facilities may allow you to explore without a parent present, but this varies. Call your local facility ahead of time to confirm their policy for your age.

Renewing or Replacing Your State ID

If your State ID is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it. Renewals can be done by mail or in person. To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice from the Secretary of State about 60 days before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include the required fee, and mail it to the address provided. Your new card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If you lost your State ID or it was stolen, you must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring the same documents as you would for a first-time process. There is a replacement fee of $20, the same as a new ID.

If your name has changed since you got your ID (through marriage, court order, or other legal means), you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your original documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order will work.

What to Do If You Do Not Have a Birth Certificate

If you do not have your original birth certificate, you can order one from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You will need to complete a form and pay a fee (usually $15 to $25). The process takes one to two weeks by mail, or you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Once you receive it, you can then go to the Secretary of State facility to explore for your State ID.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead of a birth certificate. These documents prove your citizenship and identity and are accepted in place of a birth certificate.

If you cannot locate any of these documents, contact the Secretary of State's office directly. Some facilities have staff who can advise you on alternative documents that may work for your situation.

Cost and Payment Methods

A State ID costs $20 in Illinois. This is a one-time fee when you first explore. When you renew, the cost is the same — $20. If you need a replacement card (lost, stolen, or damaged), you pay $20 again.

The Secretary of State facilities accept cash and card payments. Most locations take Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Some facilities may also accept checks, but this varies. Bring cash or a card to be safe.

There are no additional fees or hidden charges. The $20 covers the card and processing. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your renewal form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my State ID to fly on an airplane?

Yes. An Illinois State ID is accepted as valid identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at U.S. airports. You can use it for domestic flights. For international travel, you will need a passport.

What if I moved and my address on my State ID is wrong?

You can update your address without getting a new card. Visit a Secretary of State facility and ask to update your address on file. This usually takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Your card itself will not change, but your address will be updated in the system.

How long does it take to get a State ID by mail if I am renewing?

Renewal by mail takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form and payment. Standard mail processing is included in the $20 fee. If you need your card faster, you must explore in person at a facility.

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

You will need a Social Security number to explore for a State ID in Illinois. If you do not have one, you must first explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Contact your local Social Security office or visit their website to begin that process.

What happens if I turn 21 while my State ID is still valid?

Your State ID remains valid until its expiration date, even after you turn 21. You do not need to renew it early. When it does expire, your next renewal will be valid for ten years instead of five.