Identification Cards in Illinois

Identification Cards in Illinois

How to get a state ID card:

  • Visit an Illinois Driver Services office.
  • Provide proof of your signature, birth date, SSN, and residency.
  • Pay the $5 (Under 18 years old) or $20 (18 years old and up) identification card fee.
  • For more information on other types of ID cards and how to renew/replace an ID, please read on.

Illinois REAL IDs 

The Illinois SOS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards in addition to non-compliant cards. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—your standard ID card will not after this date. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or non-compliant ID upon application—details are outlined below. For more, see the SOS' guide to REAL IDs.

IL ID Card Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an Illinois identification card you must:

  • Be a resident of Illinois.
  • Have a Social Security number (SSN).

There is no minimum age required to apply for an Illinois ID card.

Apply for an Illinois ID Card

To apply for a brand new Illinois ID card, you must visit an IL Driver Services facility. You will need to bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Written signature.
    • Date of birth.
    • Social Security number.
    • Illinois residency:
      • 2 documents for a REAL ID.
      • 1 document for a non-compliant ID card.
  • Payment for the applicable fee (please see “Illinois Identification Card Fees" below).

A full list of acceptable documents is available online.

If you have a disability and are applying for a free Illinois ID card, you must also bring a completed Application for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card (Form DSD X 164) that has been filled out by your doctor.

If you are homeless and applying for a free Illinois ID card, you must also bring a completed Homeless Status Certification form (Form DSD A 230).

Illinois Identification Card Fees

New Illinois ID Cards

A brand new Illinois identification card will be valid for 5 years and will cost:

  • $20 if you are 18 years old or older.
  • $5 if you are under 18 years old.

You qualify for a free IL identification card if you:

Lost or Stolen ID Card Replacement Fees

If your Illinois ID card is lost or stolen, a replacement card will cost the following amounts:

  • 18 years old or older: $20.
  • Under 18 years old: $5.
  • 60 years old or older are free.
  • Active-duty military and their spouse/dependents are free.

Additionally, if your Illinois ID card was stolen and you have a police report attesting to that fact, you may obtain a duplicate for free, regardless of age.

Please visit our guide on lost or stolen IDs in Illinois if you need to replace your driver's license or identification card.

Change of ID Card Information Fees

If you need to change any information on your Illinois ID card, such as your name or address, a corrected ID card will cost:

  • $10 if you're 18 years old or older.
  • $5 if you're under 18 years old.

Renew Your IL Identification Card

The Illinois Secretary of State's office will send you a renewal notice before your IL ID card expires. You can also renew your identification card before you receive this notice.

To renew your IL identification card, you need to visit a Driver Services facility in person. You cannot renew your ID card online or by mail.

You must bring:

  • Your current Illinois ID card.
  • Your renewal notice (if you have one).
  • Payment for your new IL ID card (see “Illinois Identification Card Fees" above).

If you are upgrading from a non-compliant ID to a REAL ID, you'll need to resubmit all of the documents listed above for original applications. You'll only need to do this once.

A full list of acceptable documents is available online.

You will receive your new IL ID card when you leave the Driver Services office.

Change Your Illinois ID Card Information

If you change your name or address, you must notify the Illinois Secretary of State's office within 10 days of the change.

Change Your Name

If your name has changed, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services Department to update your ID card. You cannot submit a name change online.

You must bring:

  • Your current photo ID.
  • A copy of your marriage certificate or other court document that proves your new name.
  • Payment for your replacement IL ID card (see “Change of ID Card Information Fees" above).

Change Your Address

You can update your address online if you do not need a replacement ID card with your new address.

If you'd like a replacement ID card, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services Department and bring 1 document proving your new address (e.g. bank statements, credit report, or utility bills) and payment for your replacement card (see “Change of ID Card Information Fees" above). A full list of acceptable documents is available online.

Replace a Lost or Stolen IL ID Card

If your ID is lost or stolen, you should report it to the local police department as soon as possible. If you are in Illinois you can apply for a replacement IL state ID card in person at a Driver Services Facility.

You must bring:

  • An original document proving your written signature (e.g. credit card, court order, or driver's license).
  • An original document that proves either your:
    • Date of birth (e.g. birth certificate, college transcript, or U.S. passport).
    • Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card, IL driver's license record, or military service record).
    • Current address (e.g. bank statement, credit report, or utility bill).
  • Payment for the replacement ID card (see “Lost or Stolen ID Card Replacement Fees" above).
  • A police report if your IL ID card has been stolen and you are under 60 years old (to qualify for a free replacement).

For further details on steps to take, please visit our page on Replacing a Lost License in Illinois.

Voting with an Illinois ID Card

When you apply for an Illinois identification card, you will have the option to register to vote. Once registered, you can use your IL ID card to vote in Illinois state and national elections.

You can also use your Illinois ID card to register to vote at a later date. Just send a copy of your IL identification card along with a completed Illinois Voter Registration Application (Form SBE R-19) to your local election authority to register to vote.

For more information about how to register to vote in Illinois, visit our page on Voter Registration in Illinois.

Forms

DSD A 230
Homeless Status Certification
Complete this form to establish proof of homelessness AND qualification for a free Illinois state identification card.
DSD X 164
Application for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card
Use this form to apply for a disability IL state identification card.
SBE R-19
Voter Registration Application
Complete this form to register to vote in Illinois
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