The documents Illinois requires for a Real ID
To get a Real ID in Illinois, you need to bring four things to a Secretary of State office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must appear in person. The state will not issue a Real ID without all four categories, even if you already have a standard driver's license.
Real ID is a federal standard that took effect in 2020. It means your driver's license or state ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you do not have Real ID by the important date your state sets, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly within the United States.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security, residency, and lawful status — no exceptions.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.
- Proof of residency must show your current Illinois address and be dated within the last 60 days.
- You must appear in person at a Secretary of State office; there is no online or mail-in option for Real ID.
- Processing takes about two weeks if you explore in person; expedited service is available for an additional fee.
Proof of identity documents
For proof of identity, bring one of these documents in its original form or as a certified copy:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- U.S. military ID
- Birth certificate (must be certified, with the state seal)
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- Adoption decree (certified copy)
- Court order changing your name (certified copy)
- Illinois driver's license or state ID card (if you already have one)
- Out-of-state driver's license or ID card
The document must match the name you are using to explore. If you have changed your name since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring both the old document and the court order or certified marriage or divorce certificate that shows the change.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring one of these documents to prove your Social Security number:
- Social Security card (original)
- W-2 form or tax return showing your full Social Security number
- 1099 form or other IRS document with your full Social Security number
- Social Security Administration letter or statement
- Paystub showing your full Social Security number
The document must show your full nine-digit Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID in Illinois — you can only get a standard driver's license or state ID card.
Proof of residency in Illinois
Bring one document that shows your current Illinois address and was issued or dated within the last 60 days:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
- Lease or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy or insurance statement
- Government check or benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, TANF, SNAP)
- Pay stub from your employer
- Letter from a government agency (Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Revenue)
The address on the residency document must match the address you are providing on your Real ID process. If you moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring a second document dated after your move. A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address counts if it is from a government agency or utility company.
Proof of lawful status in the United States
You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to live in the country. Bring one of these documents:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- U.S. birth certificate (certified copy with state seal)
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Refugee travel document or advance parole document
- Valid visa with I-94 arrival/departure record
- Tribal ID card (if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, your document must show that you have legal status to be in the country. Temporary visas alone are not enough — you need a document that shows you have been granted permission to stay. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the Secretary of State's Real ID line before you go to the office.
What to bring and what not to bring
All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents taken on your phone will be rejected. If you have a certified copy from a government office, that counts as an original for Real ID purposes.
Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way to the office. You will also need to fill out an process form (DL 298) when you arrive; you can read it from the Secretary of State website before you go, or pick one up at the office. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, because the office will need to see it even if you are renewing.
Do not bring documents that are expired, even if they are otherwise valid. For example, an expired passport will not work as proof of identity. The only exception is a U.S. birth certificate, which does not expire.
How to submit your documents and what happens next
Go to a Secretary of State Driver Services office in person during business hours. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Bring all four categories of documents, your completed process form, and your current ID. The staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing or incorrect.
If everything is in order, you will pay the Real ID fee (currently $30 for a driver's license or $20 for a state ID card, though prices may change). You will also have your photo taken and your signature scanned. Standard processing takes about two weeks; you can pay extra for expedited service if you need your Real ID sooner.
You will receive your Real ID in the mail at the address you provided. Check the envelope carefully when it arrives to make sure the name, address, and other information are correct. If something is wrong, contact the Secretary of State office right away to request a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?
No. The Secretary of State office will not accept photos or digital copies of any documents. You must bring originals or certified copies in paper form. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the agency that issued the document — usually your state's vital records office for birth certificates, or the Social Security Administration for Social Security statements.
What if my residency document is older than 60 days?
Bring a second document that is dated within the last 60 days and shows your current address. This could be a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government letter. If you just moved and do not have a second document yet, contact the Secretary of State office to ask what other proof they will accept.
Do I need to renew my Real ID, or does it last forever?
Real ID driver's licenses and state ID cards expire just like standard ones — usually every four or eight years depending on your age. When you renew, you will need to bring the same four categories of documents again, unless you are doing an online renewal (which Illinois allows for some renewals). Check the expiration date on your Real ID card to know when to renew.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. You can get a standard Illinois driver's license or state ID card instead, but it will not have the gold star and cannot be used to board domestic flights. If you need to fly, you will have to use a passport or other federal ID.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Secretary of State office to get a Real ID. The office will take your photo and signature as part of the process, and they need to verify your identity in person. There is no exception for this requirement.