Illinois State ID Card Requirements

A resident of Illinois can get an ID card from the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS). They can show n numerous documents to verify their identity. These documents should contain their written signature, Social Security number, proof of residency and date of birth. After the person submits the application for a state ID card, the Secretary of State will issue them a temporary identification card, and then mail them a permanent identification card within 15 business days.

To get a state ID card the person must be a resident of Illinois. There is no minimum age to get a state identification card, and the person does not need to have a driver’s license. Typically, a person has a single form of state identification – a driver’s license or an ID card.

An Illinois-issued ID card allows Illinoisans to prove their identity when banking, traveling or in other situations that require identification. A child traveling by air may need a state ID card in order to fly. The card requires a fee and is valid for five years.

A person who applies for a standard ID needs one identification document each from Group A, B, C and D. A person who applies for an Illinois REAL ID needs one document each from Group A, B and C and two documents from Group D. A REAL ID card is a form of identification that is more consistent and secure than a standard state-issued ID.

Documents in Group A are meant to show a person’s written signature. Documents in Group A include:

• Canceled check within 90 days prior to application.
• Driver’s license or ID card issued by the federal government.
• Current or expired for less than one year Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
• Current or expired less than one year driver’s license or ID card issued by another state.
• Medicare card.
• Mortgage or installment loan documents.
• Valid U.S. or foreign passport.
• Social Security card.
• Acceptable major brand credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
  

Documents in Group B are meant to show a person’s date of birth. Documents in Group B include:

• Birth certificate.
• Adoption records.
• Citizenship certificate.
• Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
• U.S. passport or U.S. visa.
  
• Certified grade school, high school, college or university transcripts.

Documents in Group C are meant to show a person’s Social Security number. Documents in Group C include:

• Verified Illinois driver’s license record.
• Verified Illinois ID card record.
• Pay stub or electronic deposit receipt bearing the applicant’s name and Social Security number.
• Social Security card.
• W-2 form.
  

Documents from Group C must contain the applicant’s name and full Social Security number. If the person is using an Illinois driver’s license or an ID record, the Social Security number must have been previously verified with the Social Security Administration.

Documents in Group D are meant to show a person’s residency in the state of Illinois. Documents in Group D include:

• Bank statement dated within 90 days prior to application.
• Canceled check dated within 90 days prior to application.
• Certified grade school, high school, college or university transcripts.
• Credit report issued by Experian, Equifax or TransUnion dated within 12 months of application.
• Deed or title, mortgage, rental or lease agreements.
• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
• Letter on official school letterhead dated within 90 days prior to application.
• Medical claim or statement of benefits from a private insurance company or public agency dated within 90 days of application.
• Official mail received from a state, county, city or village or a federal government agency, which must include the first and last name of the applicant and their complete current address.
  

Examples of official mail from a government agency that are acceptable include:

• Tuition invoice or official mail from a college or university dated within the 12 months prior to application.
• Jury duty notice issued within 90 days of application.
• Voter registration card.
• Report card from grade school, high school, college or university.
• Utility bill for electric, water, refuse, telephone service, cable or gas issued within 90 days of application.

Documents in Group D must contain the applicant’s full name and residence address. Documents in Groups A, B or C that contain the full name and residence address may also be used for Group D. A signature comparison is required in the verification process.

A new Illinois resident must surrender all out-of-state licenses and ID cards prior to being issued an Illinois ID card. Unacceptable documents include: business card; check cashing card; college or university ID card; fishing or hunting license from Illinois or another state; Illinois concealed carry card; insurance card; library card; traffic citation or arrest ticket; and vehicle registration card. Personal mail is also unacceptable.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office mails to a state ID card holder a renewal letter between 60 and 90 days prior to the expiration of their state ID card. The ID card holder can renew their state ID card online and print a temporary state ID card after the online renewal transaction.

A Illinois resident over age 65 is eligible to get a free non-expiring state ID card. A person with disabilities is eligible to get a free state ID card that remains valid for 10 years. They must provide an application for a disability identification card completed by their doctor.

The fee structure for Illinois ID cards is:

• $20 for a five-year ID card for an adult, defined as a person 18 or above.
• $5 for a five-year ID card for a person under 18.
• Free for a person who is experiencing homelessness, has a disability or is 65 or above.
  

There is a $10 fee for a corrected ID card for an adult and a $5 fee for a corrected ID card for a person under 18. There is a $20 fee for a duplicate ID card for an adult and a $5 fee for a duplicate ID card for a person under 18.