What You Need to Know Before You Go

A state ID in Illinois is a photo identification card issued by the Secretary of State. It is not a driver's license — it does not let you drive — but it works as a valid ID for banking, voting, air travel, and age verification. 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.

Illinois issues two types of state ID: a standard ID valid for four years, and a Real ID-compliant ID valid for five years. The Real ID version costs more but meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Most people choose the standard ID unless they plan to fly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
  • The standard state ID costs $20 and is valid for four years; the Real ID version costs $30 and is valid for five years.
  • Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, or previous driver's license; proof of residency can be a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days.
  • You will receive a temporary paper ID when ready and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If you have changed your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Documents You Must Bring

The Secretary of State requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (certified copy), a U.S. passport, a previous Illinois driver's license or state ID, a military ID, or a passport card. If you were born outside the United States, a passport is the easiest option.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your full name and street address — a P.O. box does not count. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a document showing your relationship to them.

You will also need to complete form DL 298, the process for State ID. You can fill it out at home and bring it, or fill it out at the office. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and signature.

Where to Go and How to Find Your Nearest Office

The Secretary of State operates about 130 facilities across Illinois where you can get a state ID. The main office is in Springfield, but most people use a location in their county or a nearby city. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.

Find your nearest office on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show you the address, hours, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your location is currently open or if you want to know the typical wait time.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged in your bag. The staff will check them before you pay, so you will know when ready if something is missing.

What Happens at the Office

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you to verify your address and sign the process form if you have not already. You will also have your photo taken — wear something you do not mind being photographed in, and avoid hats or sunglasses.

Once your photo is taken and your process is processed, you will pay the fee. The standard state ID costs $20; the Real ID version costs $30. Illinois accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper ID that is valid when ready — you can use it right away for voting, banking, or other purposes that require ID.

Your plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact the Secretary of State to update your address.

If Your Name Has Changed

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

The certified copy must come from the county clerk or vital records office where the event was recorded — a photocopy or a document you printed from the internet will not work. If you do not have the certified copy yet, you can order it from the county clerk's office by mail or in person, though this can take one to two weeks.

Cost and Payment Methods

A standard Illinois state ID costs $20 and is valid for four years. A Real ID-compliant state ID costs $30 and is valid for five years. There are no additional fees or hidden charges.

The Secretary of State accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all offices. Some locations may also accept debit cards. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for a state ID.

If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local Secretary of State office to ask about fee waivers. Some offices have programs for people with financial hardship, though availability varies by location.

What to Do If You Lose Your State ID

If your state ID is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency just as you would for a new ID. You do not need to file a police report unless you believe the ID will be used fraudulently, but you may want to report it to the office anyway so they can flag your file.

A replacement state ID costs the same as a new one: $20 for standard or $30 for Real ID. You will receive a temporary paper ID when ready and your new plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. If your ID was damaged rather than lost — for example, the photo is worn or the card is cracked — you can also request a replacement at the same cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card as proof of identity instead. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, contact the Secretary of State office to ask what other documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get a state ID?

You will receive a temporary paper ID when ready that you can use right away. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need the plastic card faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — call your local office to ask.

Do I need a state ID if I have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves the same purpose as a state ID for voting, banking, and travel. You only need a state ID if you do not drive or if your driver's license has expired and you need a valid ID before you can renew it.

Can I renew my state ID by mail or online?

No. Illinois requires you to renew your state ID in person at a Secretary of State office. You must bring the same documents as you would for a new ID: proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form.

What is the difference between a state ID and a Real ID?

A Real ID is a state ID that meets federal security standards. It costs $10 more and is valid for one extra year. You need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you only use your ID for voting or banking, the standard state ID is sufficient.