Living in Illinois and needing a state identification card is a common requirement for proving residency and age. This card is useful for various purposes such as completing government forms and accessing state services. To obtain an Illinois state ID, you need to gather specific documents including your Social Security card, proof of residence, and your birth certificate, and then visit a local Driver Services office or Secretary of State facility. After paying the required fee based on your age and residence status, your ID will be mailed to you. Below are the steps in detail.
Part 1: Gathering the Necessary Documents
Step 1: Obtain Your Social Security Card
You must provide proof of your Social Security number. The best option is your actual Social Security card, but valid government documents such as an Illinois driver’s license record or military records are also acceptable. Note that you cannot submit a copy of the card; the actual card or valid records must be presented.
Step 2: Collect Your Birth Certificate or Equivalent
You will need to present your birth certificate, passport, or high school records to prove your age and date of birth. Non-U.S. birth certificates and passports are accepted as long as they accurately reflect your birth date. Alternatively, an old driver’s license or a government-issued ID can also be used.
Step 3: Provide Proof of Residency
Proof of residency can be demonstrated using a utility bill, a government-issued letter, a bank statement (including digital forms), or university records with your address. Ensure your address is a valid Illinois address to qualify for the state ID.
Step 4: Show Proof of Your Signature
You need to provide a credit card, court order, driver’s license, or any government-issued document that includes your written signature.
Step 5: Visit a Driver Services Office or Secretary of State Facility
Take all your documents to a local Driver Services office or a Secretary of State facility. Locations are available in cities like Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, and others. You can find the nearest office by searching online or using the DMV’s office finder tool.
Part 2: Paying the Required Fee
Step 1: Fee Based on Age
- Under 18: The fee is $10 USD.
- 18-64 Years Old: The fee is $20 USD. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card, but not with a debit card.
Step 2: Free ID for Seniors
If you are 65 years or older, you can get the ID card for free by proving your age.
Step 3: No Fee for Homeless Individuals
Homeless individuals can get an ID card for free by completing a homeless status certification form, which must be signed by a homeless services provider and notarized. The form can be found online.
Step 4: Free ID for People with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities can obtain a free ID by completing the Application for a Person with a Disability Card and presenting it at the time of application.
Step 5: Free ID for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
If you were recently released from a corrections facility or juvenile center in Illinois, you are eligible for a free ID card. Bring the necessary documents to a Secretary of State facility within 30 days of your release.
Part 3: Getting the ID
Step 1: Wait for the ID in the Mail
After submitting your documents and paying the fee, the ID card will be mailed to the address you provided. This process may take several business days.
Step 2: Renewing the ID
The Illinois state ID is valid for five years. You will receive a renewal notice before your ID expires, instructing you to bring the notice, your current ID, and the renewal fee to a Driver Services office or Secretary of State facility. IDs for seniors (65+) never expire, and IDs for individuals with disabilities expire every 10 years.
Step 3: Replacing a Lost or Stolen ID
If your ID is lost or stolen, report it to the local police immediately. To apply for a replacement, visit a Driver Services office or Secretary of State facility with the required documents. If you provide a police report, there is no fee for replacement. Without a police report, the replacement fee is $10 USD for those 18 and under and $20 USD for adults.
By following these steps, you can efficiently obtain an Illinois state ID, ensuring you have the necessary identification for various needs.
