To get an Illinois driver's license or State ID, you will need to provide documents.

See below for what you need. Then scroll down for the types of documents that satisfy each group.

You can use one document for multiple purposes. The documents must not be expired. Use this interactive checklist to confirm whether your have the documents needed to apply for a REAL ID. 

If you want to update your name, date of birth, Social Security number, or gender, you need to provide identification that connects the new information to the previous details.

In some situations, the requirements for the ID are different. Learn about the requirements if you are experiencing homelessness or a youth in the care of DCFS. 

If you are currently incarcerated or about to re-enter society from IDOC or IDJJ prison, the Secretary of State can issue you an ID before your release if you provide the required documents and application. IDOC and IDJJ must assist you in applying for a state ID, including:  

• Help you get a copy of birth certificate and social security cards within 45 days of arriving at the Department if you don't already have these documents.
• Send an ID application to the secretary of state 60 days before you are released or when they have the necessary documents.

Those seeking REAL ID, driver’s license and ID card services, and in-car driving tests, are required to make an appointment if they want to visit one of the 44 busiest DMVs in person. This includes all Chicago and suburban sites and some central and downstate locations. Visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817- 4649 to schedule an appointment.

Visit the Secretary of State's Skip-the-Line program, to learn more about which services are offered online, when you are required to schedule an appointment, and the newly extended hours of all DMVs.

First-time applicant

If this is your first time getting a driver's license or ID, you will need one document from groups A, B, C, and D.

If you don't have a REAL ID, you are considered a first-time applicant. This is true even if you already have a driver's license or ID. To get a REAL ID, you will need:

• One document from groups A, B, and C, and
• Two documents from group D.

Duplicate

You can get a duplicate driver's license or ID. To do this, you need one document from group A. 

Corrected

If necessary, you can correct your current driver's license or ID. To do this, you need one document from group A. 

To update your address on a standard driver's license or ID, you also need one document from group D.

To update your address on a Real ID, you also need two documents from group D.  

Renewal

If your license or ID is expiring, you need to renew it. You will need one document from group A.

To update your address on a standard driver's license or ID, you also need one document from group D.

To update your address on a Real ID, you also need two documents from group D.  

Non-citizens

Starting on July 1, 2024, non-U.S. citizens can apply for a regular driver's license. This new license will not require a Social Security Number (SSN). It is called a "Standard" license instead of a "Non-compliant" one. Instead of saying "Not for Federal Identification," it will be labeled as "Federal Limits Apply." Under the new law, the Secretary of State cannot report you to immigration if you are undocumented and want a driver’s license. 

Note: You cannot use this license for federal identification purposes, such as when you board a flight or enter federal buildings.

To get this new license, you need:

• To pass a driving test, 
• Have valid insurance, 
• Show some identification papers (see below for more detail), and 
• Prove that you've been living in Illinois for at least one year. 

If you're a documented immigrant, provide U.S. immigration documents issued by Homeland Security (like I-20 and I-94) or your social security card. 

If you're undocumented, you must show a valid foreign passport or consulate-issued ID. Make sure all these documents are not expiring in two years.

For more information, see Driver's license for immigrants. 

Unacceptable Documents

• Bond Receipt or Bail/Bond Card
• Business Card
• Check Cashing Card
• Club/Fraternal Membership Card
• College or University ID Card
• Commercially produced (non-State or unofficial) ID Card
• Concealed Carry Card
• DHS Card or documents (Department of Human Services)
• Fishing License
• HFS Card (Healthcare and Family Services)
• Handwritten ID/Employment Card
• Hunting License
• Illinois FOID Card
• Instruction Permit/Receipt
• Insurance Card
• International Driving Permit
• Library Card
• Personal Mail
• Traffic Citation (Arrest Ticket)
• Unlicensed Financial Institution Loan Papers
• Vehicle Registration
• Video Club Membership Card
• Wallet ID