Americans who live in Illinois are able to obtain a state ID card that shows essential information, such as their name, age, and residence address.
This identification is important because you can use it to access the state services or complete legal paperwork. If you want to get yours, you must gather some documents and follow a series of procedures.
In this article, we will teach you step by step how to request an Illinois state ID.
Required documents
Social Security card, military registration, or driver’s license
It is mandatory to present an identification that shows your Social Security number; the best option is your original Social Security card. However, if you do not have it, you can use any other legal document that contains this information.
Birth certificate or passport
Even if these are American documents o foreign documents, both are valid. The state of Illinois just needs something to check your age and year of birth. Another thing you can use is your high school records.
Proof of your residence
Before submitting the request, it is necessary to ensure that your residence is within the territory of the state of Illinois and that you have lived there for at least one year.
You will need to present a document that demonstrates your place of residence. A utility bill or a government-issued document containing your location might function; another option is to use a bank or university document, printed or digital, that shows your address.
In these cases, a check may also be a good option, as some types include the address and zip code of the payer. Also, if you want to pay the fee with a check, it is even more beneficial since you will be using a single document for two requirements.
Check your signature
It is also necessary to present a document that confirms the legitimacy of your signature; this can be your credit card, a court order or your original driver’s license.
Finally, take these documents to the Driver Services office or any department of the Secretary of State. You can locate online the nearest facility, or use the database of the DMV (Department of Vehicles) website: www.dmv.org/il-illinois/dmv-office-finder.php.
There are departments of the Secretary of State in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, Aurora, Bloomington, Joliet, East Saint Louis, Belleville, and Palatine.
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Fee payment
The rate varies according to your age:
- $10 if you are under 18 years.
- $20 if you are between 18 and 64 years.
- And it is free if you are over 65 years.
You can pay by check, credit card, or cash.
In case you do not have a home, you are not required to pay any fee. Instead, complete the following form that certifies the status of homeless people; also, this document must be notarized: www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/get-homeless-status-certification-id.
On the other hand, if you have a disability, you can also obtain your identification for free. You can apply by filling this form and take it with you when requesting your ID: www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/application-person-disability-id-card- blank.
Get your card
When you have submitted all the respective documents, and have paid the fee according to your age and condition, you will get your Illinois state ID on your mail. The address will be the same that you wrote in your residence paperwork; note that the shipment can take several business days.
Benefits
Obtaining this card will help you to:
- Get a job.
- Board a plane (very useful for minors).
- Cash a check.
- Get an apartment.
- Get discounts on your taxes.
- Enroll in school.
- Open a bank account.
- Obtain public benefits.
- And many other things.
There is no minimum age for having this type of identification, and unless you are an immigrant with permanent resident status, you are not required to carry the card with you all the time.