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 works for age verification, banking, travel within the United States, and other situations where you need to prove who you are. The process takes about two weeks from the time you submit your documents.

You will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The fee is $20 for a standard State ID card that lasts five years. If you are 65 or older, the card is free and lasts until you turn 79. You will also have your photo taken at the facility, so wear something you are comfortable being photographed in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your original birth certificate or passport and proof of your current address.
  • The State ID card costs $20 and is valid for five years; it is free for applicants 65 and older.
  • Processing takes about two weeks, and you will receive your card by mail at the address you provide.
  • If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Finding a Secretary of State Facility Near You

Illinois has Secretary of State offices in most counties. The main office is in Springfield, but you can visit any location in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. The Secretary of State website has a facility locator where you can search by city or ZIP code and see the hours each location keeps.

Some facilities are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Others have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch. A few locations require you to book an appointment online; others take walk-ins. The website will tell you which applies to the facility you plan to visit.

Documents You Must Bring

Your original birth certificate is the most common proof of identity and date of birth. If you do not have it, a U.S. passport works. A passport card also counts. If you have neither, you can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship — but these are less common.

For proof of your current address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check all work. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring an unsigned lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your name and address.

If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you want on your ID, bring the legal document that changed it. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

What Happens at the Secretary of State Office

When you arrive, you will check in and submit your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity — your date of birth, your address, and other basic information. They will take your photo for the card. You will also be fingerprinted.

The staff member will ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your ID. Read it carefully before you sign. If anything is wrong — your name is spelled incorrectly, your address is incomplete, or your date of birth is off — tell them before you leave. Fixing it later is slower and may cost extra.

You will pay the $20 fee at this time, unless you are 65 or older. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided within about two weeks.

What to Do If You Do Not Receive Your Card

If two weeks have passed and your card has not arrived, contact the Secretary of State's office where you applied. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your card and tell you if there was a problem with your process or if it is still in processing.

If your card was lost or damaged in the mail, the office can reissue it. There may be a small fee for a replacement, but it is usually less than the original fee. If your address was wrong on the process and you did not receive the card, you can pick it up in person at the facility where you applied, or request that it be mailed to a corrected address.

Renewing or Replacing Your State ID

Your State ID is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if you have not changed your name, address, or appearance significantly. The Secretary of State will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your card expires. Follow the instructions in that notice to renew by mail.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement in person at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your confirmation number or receipt from your original process if you have it. If you cannot find it, bring your birth certificate and proof of address again. A replacement card costs less than a new card and is processed faster.

Using Your State ID for Travel and Other Purposes

An Illinois State ID is accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel within the United States. You can use it at airport security instead of a driver's license. It also works for age verification at bars, restaurants, and stores that sell alcohol or tobacco. Banks accept it for opening accounts. Government offices accept it for many transactions.

Some states and countries do not accept a State ID for travel — they require a passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. If you plan to travel internationally or to a U.S. territory, check the requirements for your destination before you book. A State ID is not a passport and does not replace one for international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works instead. If you have neither, you can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Contact the Secretary of State office before you visit to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.

How long does it take to get a State ID?

Processing takes about two weeks from the date you submit your process. You will receive your card by mail at the address you provided. If you need an ID sooner, ask the staff member at the facility whether they offer expedited processing — some locations do, though there may be an extra fee.

What if I moved after I applied but before my card arrived?

Contact the Secretary of State office where you applied with your confirmation number. They can update your address and remail your card to your new location. If you need it urgently, you can pick it up in person at the facility where you applied.

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

Yes, an Illinois State ID is accepted for domestic air travel within the United States. You can use it at airport security. It is not valid for international travel — you will need a passport for that.

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 most situations. A State ID is useful if you do not drive, have lost your license, or prefer not to have a driver's license for other reasons.