How to Get a Real ID in Illinois

What You Need to Do to Get a Real ID in Illinois

To get a Real ID in Illinois, you go to a Secretary of State facility in person with specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes if you bring everything required. You cannot do this by mail or online — Illinois requires you to appear in person and verify your identity on the spot.

Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Illinois license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not a Real ID.

You can get a Real ID when you renew your license, when you replace a lost or damaged one, or by visiting a Secretary of State office to upgrade your current license. The fee for a Real ID is the same as a standard license renewal in Illinois.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency.
Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or passport card; you need one primary document and one secondary document.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.
The Real ID gold star appears in the top right corner of your license; if you do not see it, your current license is not Real ID compliant.
You can upgrade an existing Illinois license to Real ID without waiting for renewal, though you will pay the standard license fee.

Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State

Illinois requires you to bring an original or certified copy of one primary identity document. Acceptable primary documents are: a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport with an approved I-94 or I-94W stamp.

You also need one secondary identity document to verify your identity further. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document from a federal, state, or local government agency showing your name and identifying information. A school ID or employee ID does not count.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or a benefit statement from Social Security, SSI, or the Railroad Retirement Board.

Bring proof of Illinois residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your current address. The document must have your name and address on it.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

You visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Illinois has facilities in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone.

If your local facility requires an appointment, you can book one through the Secretary of State website. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If you cannot get an appointment soon, you can try a facility in a neighboring county.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. The Secretary of State staff will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports. If your birth certificate is not certified, you can request a certified copy from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the county clerk where you were born; this usually takes one to two weeks.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (DL 43 for a driver's license or ID 44 for a state ID). The Secretary of State staff will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo. You will sign your process in front of the staff member.

The staff will confirm that your documents show your current legal name, Social Security number, and Illinois address. If any information does not match — for example, if your birth certificate shows a different name than your current ID — you may need to bring additional documents like a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

You will pay the fee at the time of your visit. As of 2024, a Real ID driver's license costs the same as a standard license renewal in Illinois. Payment methods vary by facility; most accept cash, check, and card, but confirm with your local facility before you go.

When Your Real ID Arrives and What to Do If It Does Not

Your Real ID will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can track your license status on the Secretary of State website using your driver's license number or state ID number.

If your Real ID does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to report it. If your license is lost or damaged in the mail, you can request a replacement at a Secretary of State facility or by mail.

Once your Real ID arrives, check that the gold star is visible in the top right corner. If the star is missing or unclear, return to a Secretary of State facility with your license and ask for a replacement. This should be corrected at no additional charge.

Real ID vs. Standard Illinois License: What Changes

A Real ID looks almost identical to a standard Illinois driver's license, except for the gold star in the top right corner. The star is the only visual difference. Your license number, expiration date, and all other information remain the same.

The difference is in what the license can be used for. A Real ID meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A standard Illinois license cannot be used for these purposes after that date, though it remains valid for driving and other state purposes.

If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID. You can keep your standard license. However, if you renew your license at a Secretary of State facility and bring the required documents, you will automatically receive a Real ID.

If You Cannot Get a Real ID Right Now

If you do not have a certified birth certificate or passport, you can order one before you visit the Secretary of State. A certified birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail and costs about $30. You can order online at cyberdriveillinois.com or by mail.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card takes about 2 weeks.

If you have a name mismatch between your documents — for example, your birth certificate shows a maiden name but your current ID shows a married name — bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The Secretary of State staff will review it and update your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive in Illinois?

No. A Real ID is only required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you only drive and do not fly domestically, your standard Illinois license is sufficient. However, if you renew your license at a Secretary of State facility with the required documents, you will receive a Real ID automatically.

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going in person?

Illinois allows mail renewal for standard licenses only if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than 12 months, and you must have renewed by mail within the last 8 years. Real ID requires an in-person visit because the Secretary of State must verify your identity and take a new photo. Check the Secretary of State website to see if you may have access to for mail renewal of a standard license.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can get a Real ID if you have a valid passport or passport card from your country of origin, plus an approved I-94 or I-94W stamp showing your legal status in the United States. Bring your passport, the I-94 document, and proof of Social Security number and Illinois residency. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card instead of a passport.

How long does a Real ID last?

A Real ID driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it is issued. A Real ID state ID is valid for 4 years. When your Real ID expires, you can renew it at a Secretary of State facility or by mail if you meet the mail renewal conditions. You will need to bring updated documents if your address or other information has changed.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?

You can request certified replacements. A certified birth certificate comes from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the county clerk where you were born. A replacement Social Security card comes from the Social Security Administration. A replacement passport comes from the U.S. State Department. Each takes 1 to 3 weeks and costs a small fee. Start with whichever document you need most urgently.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.