Identification Cards in Illinois

Types of ID Cards

Illinois offers three different types of official identification cards. These are:

• Over-65 ID card, or "Senior Card"

• Under-65 ID card

• Disabled person ID card

All types of ID cards require that the individual apply in person at a Driver Services Facility. You must also provide acceptable proofs of identity―see below for more information on proving who you are.

Senior Card

This card is available for free and has no expiration date―it's good for the rest of your life. These cards are often sought by seniors who no longer want to have a driver's license, or who can no longer qualify for one. It provides proof of identity in all the same situations where one would show an Illinois driver's license.

Under-65 ID Card

This card is available to anyone who wants a proof of identity but who does not have, is not old enough for, or does not want an Illinois driver's license. It's also handy if your license has been suspended or revoked. This type of card is good for five years.

This card is often issued for children, especially if they need identification to fly on commercial aircraft. In the case of minors, the parent must provide acceptable proofs of identity for the child.

Fees

• New ID card: $20

• Corrected ID card: $10

• Duplicate ID card: $20

Disabled Person's ID Card

This card is a photo ID that also lists the classification code of the person's disability, which some may feel violates their privacy.

To obtain this card, a doctor must fill out the Application for Disabled Person ID Card. You can view the PDF file with a free copy of Adobe Reader.

The ID card is free, but it has to be renewed every five years.

Acceptable Proofs of Identity

Illinois requires at least four pieces of documentation for a first-time applicant for an identification card. All listed pieces of identification must be originals, not copies. In some cases, notarized or certified copies may be accepted, but this is at the discretion of the examining employee. Any document that looks suspicious will not be accepted.

A detailed menu of what the State of Illinois considers to be acceptable proofs of identity is located on its website.

Renewing an ID Card

All Illinois ID cards are issued for a period of five years, expiring on the card holder's birthday. The renewal fee is $20 for those under the age of 65, and is free for those older than 65 years of age.

Illinois does not have mail or Internet renewal available yet, so you will be required to go in person to your local Secretary of State Driver Facilities office to renew your ID card.

Replacing an ID Card

To replace an ID card, you must go to a Secretary of State office and produce two acceptable forms of identification.

If you're at least 65 years old or are disabled, the replacement card is free. If you're younger than 18, the cost is $10. For everyone else, the replacement fee is $20.

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