What You Need to Get an Illinois ID

An Illinois ID is a state-issued photo identification card issued by the Secretary of State's office. It is not a driver's license — it is a separate ID you can get whether or not you drive. You will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.

Illinois issues two types of ID cards: a standard ID and a REAL ID-compliant ID. The REAL ID version meets federal standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. Both require the same documents and similar fees, though REAL ID costs slightly more. If you only need ID for local purposes, the standard ID is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or previous Illinois ID; a utility bill or lease counts as proof of residency.
  • Standard Illinois ID costs $20 and is valid for five years; REAL ID costs $32 and is also valid for five years.
  • You can find your nearest Secretary of State office and check wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.
  • If you cannot locate required documents, the Secretary of State office can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Documents You Must Bring

The Secretary of State requires three categories of documents. First, proof of identity: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, consular report of birth, or a previous Illinois ID or driver's license. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it must be certified and translated into English if it is not already.

Second, proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Illinois address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed statement from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

Third, proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and the Secretary of State will issue an ID without one.

how the process works at a Secretary of State Office

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and use the office locator to find the facility nearest you. Many offices allow you to check current wait times online before you arrive. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your completed process form — you can fill this out at home or at the office.

When you arrive, you will be assigned a number and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will sign the back of your ID card before you leave. The card is valid when ready, though you will receive a replacement card in the mail within one to two weeks that has a security stripe and is the official version.

If any of your documents are missing or unclear, the staff member will tell you what else they need. You can go home, gather the additional document, and return — you do not lose your place in line or have to restart the process.

Fees and Card Validity

A standard Illinois ID card costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. A REAL ID-compliant card costs $32 and is also valid for five years. Both are non-refundable, even if you lose the card before it expires. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If your ID is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. A replacement card costs $20 for a standard ID or $32 for a REAL ID, regardless of how much time is left on your original card. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, plus proof of residency.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Required Documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or previous Illinois ID, the Secretary of State office can tell you what other documents they will accept as proof of identity. Acceptable alternatives include a consular ID card, a tribal ID, a foreign national ID, or a court order showing your name change. Call the office ahead of time or ask when you arrive.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, bring a signed statement from the person whose name is on the bill, plus the bill itself. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the office staff what documents they can accept — some offices will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

If you have never had a Social Security number and do not want one, you can sign a statement saying so. The ID will be issued without a Social Security number on file. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can get a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you explore for an ID, or you can bring a W-2, 1099, or pay stub instead.

REAL ID vs. Standard Illinois ID

The main difference is federal acceptance. A REAL ID card meets the federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and can be used to enter federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants, and to board domestic flights. A standard Illinois ID cannot be used for these purposes — you would need a passport or passport card instead.

If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard ID is sufficient for most everyday purposes: opening a bank account, buying age-restricted items, or proving your identity to a police officer. The documents required are the same for both; the only difference is the fee and the federal acceptance. You can upgrade from a standard ID to a REAL ID at any time by visiting a Secretary of State office and paying the difference in cost.

Renewing or Replacing Your Illinois ID

When your ID expires, you can renew it at any Secretary of State office. Bring your expired ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again if you are renewing the same type of card (standard to standard, or REAL ID to REAL ID).

If you want to upgrade from a standard ID to a REAL ID when you renew, bring your expired standard ID, proof of residency, and the REAL ID fee ($32). You will not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number. The process is the same as getting a new card — you will be photographed and issued a new card on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Illinois ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Illinois issues ID cards to non-citizens, including people with valid visas, work permits, or other immigration documents. Bring your passport or other immigration document as proof of identity, plus proof of residency and Social Security number (or a statement that you do not have one). The process is the same as for citizens.

How long does it take to get an Illinois ID after I explore?

You receive a temporary ID card on the spot that is valid when ready. The official card with a security stripe arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. Both cards are equally valid for identification purposes.

What if I moved to Illinois recently and do not have a utility bill in my name yet?

Bring a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your new address. If none of these are in your name, bring a signed statement from the person whose name is on the bill, plus the bill itself. A letter from your employer or school showing your address also works.

Can I renew my Illinois ID by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Secretary of State office in person for both new IDs and renewals. However, you can check wait times online before you go, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance.

What if my name has changed since my last ID?

Bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change, plus your previous ID or birth certificate. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new card with the correct name.