How to Get an Illinois State ID Card

What You Need to Know Before You Go

An Illinois State ID card is issued by the Secretary of State and works as a government-issued photo ID 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 prove your identity, residency in Illinois, and Social Security number. The Secretary of State accepts documents like a birth certificate, passport, or previous Illinois ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring something with your current address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. You cannot get a State ID by mail; you must visit a facility in person.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with original or certified copies of your birth certificate or passport, proof of Illinois residency, and your Social Security number.
The State ID card costs $20 and is valid for five years, or until you turn 21 if you're currently under 18.
Processing takes about 15 minutes at the facility, and you'll receive your card in the mail within two to three weeks.
If you've changed your name, you'll need a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can find your nearest Secretary of State facility and check wait times on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you go.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, previous Illinois driver's license or State ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your birth certificate is not certified (it doesn't have a raised seal or official stamp), you cannot use it—order a certified copy from the county clerk where you were born.

You also need proof that you live in Illinois right now. Bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have anything in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a family member on their letterhead, signed and dated, saying you live there—but you'll also need to bring one of their documents that shows the address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You'll also need to fill out the State ID process form (ISP 1) before you arrive or at the facility. read it from the Illinois Secretary of State website, or ask for it when you check in.

If Your Name Has Changed

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. For marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. For a legal name change through the court, bring a certified copy of the court order.

The Secretary of State will use this document along with your birth certificate to confirm your identity. Without it, they cannot issue a card in your new name. If you're in the middle of a name change and don't yet have the certified document, wait until it arrives before you visit.

Finding a Secretary of State Facility and Checking Wait Times

Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and use the facility locator to find the one nearest you. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and current wait times for each location. Some facilities are busier than others—if your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different one in a nearby county.

Call ahead if you want to confirm they have the form in stock or if you have questions about your documents. Many facilities allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can shorten your wait. Check the website for your specific location to see if online check-in is available.

What Happens at the Facility

When you arrive, check in at the counter and give the staff member your documents and completed form. They will verify that everything is there and correct. They'll take your photo and your fingerprints, and they'll ask you to sign the process in front of them. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

You'll pay $20 by cash, check, or card (depending on what the facility accepts). Ask which payment methods they take before you go. You'll receive a receipt with a temporary ID number you can use right away if you need to prove your identity. Your actual State ID card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. If it doesn't arrive after three weeks, call the Secretary of State to check the status.

Common Mistakes That Slow Things Down

The most common reason people have to come back is bringing a birth certificate that isn't certified. A regular copy from a hospital or a photocopy won't work—it must have the raised seal or official stamp from the county clerk's office. Order it ahead of time so you don't waste a trip.

Another frequent problem is bringing proof of residency that's too old. If your utility bill or bank statement is dated more than 60 days before your visit, they won't accept it. Check the date on everything you bring. If you're new to Illinois and don't have a document in your name yet, get a letter from your landlord or the person whose name is on the lease, signed and dated, before you go.

Don't forget your Social Security number or a document that shows it. If you don't have your card, bring a W-2, tax return, or other official document. Without proof of your Social Security number, you cannot complete the process.

If You're Under 18

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the facility. They'll need to bring their own photo ID and sign the process. The State ID will be valid until you turn 21, at which point you can renew it for a full five-year term. The cost is the same: $20.

Bring the same documents you would as an adult—your birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security number. If your parent or guardian is not listed on your birth certificate, bring a court document that shows legal guardianship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my State ID by mail?

No. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your expired State ID along with your other documents. If your ID is lost or stolen, you can still renew by bringing your birth certificate and proof of residency instead.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or previous Illinois driver's license or State ID instead. If you have none of these, contact the county clerk in the county where you were born to order a certified birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

How long does the State ID take to arrive?

Your card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks of your visit. You'll receive a receipt with a temporary ID number you can use when ready if you need to show ID. If your card doesn't arrive after three weeks, call the Secretary of State to check on it.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You can update your address online through the Illinois Secretary of State website without visiting a facility. You'll need your State ID number and date of birth. If you can't update online, visit any Secretary of State facility with proof of your new address.

Can I get a State ID if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must have a valid visa or other immigration document that shows you're allowed to be in the United States. Bring it along with your other documents. The Secretary of State will copy it as part of your process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.