Get a REAL ID in Illinois

Online or in person

No, one DMV visitThe Secretary of State says you can't renew online if you want a REAL ID driver's license or state ID card; you apply in person at a DMV. Some DMVs require appointments, so check ahead. The REAL ID Supercenter at 191 N. Clark St., Chicago, is walk-in only (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) through the end of 2026.

Cost

No separate REAL ID fee listedThe Secretary of State publishes no separate REAL ID fee. Driver's license: $30 (ages 21-68), $5 (18-20 and 69-80), $2 (81-86), free at 87 and older. State ID: $20 (ages 18-64), free at 65 and older. Corrected or duplicate license: $5; corrected ID: $10; duplicate ID: $20. The pages don't say which of these applies to an upgrade before your renewal date.

You leave with

Temporary paper now, card by mailYour card should arrive within 15 business days. TSA accepts only the permanent card, not the temporary paper.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity, date of birth and U.S. citizenship or lawful status
     Original or certified copy, valid and not expired, showing your date of birth and current full legal name (first, middle and last).
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified copy of a birth certificate (filed with a state office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in your county of birth)
     • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • Employment Authorization Document (I-766 or I-688B)
     • Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa (with an approved I-94 for your most recent admission)
     • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
   • Proof of Social Security number
     Not needed if you bring a valid Illinois driver's license or state ID card (other than a TVDL) and your Social Security number was verified before: the Secretary of State re-verifies it with Social Security. Otherwise bring one document with your full number.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 with your full number
     • Most recent pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt (showing your name and full number)
     • SSA-1099 with your full number
     • Non-SSA-1099 with your full number
   • Two proofs of Illinois residency · 2 different documents
     Each must show your first and last name and your full residence address, matching your application. Account numbers must be visible. Printed electronic documents are accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill (electric, water, refuse, phone, cable or gas) (issued within 90 days)
     • Illinois deed, title, mortgage, or rental or lease agreement
     • Pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt
     • Bank statement (dated within 90 days)
     • Canceled check (dated within 90 days)
     • Credit card statement (dated within 90 days)
     • Credit report from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion (dated within 12 months)
     • Homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
     • Medical claim or statement of benefits (dated within 90 days)
     • Official government mail (for example a voter registration card, Social Security annual statement or jury duty notice (within 90 days))
     • Pension or retirement statement
     • Certified transcript from a grade school, high school, college or university
     • Report card from a grade school, high school, college or university
     • Letter on official school letterhead (dated within 90 days)
     • Tuition invoice or other official mail from a college or university (dated within 12 months)
   • Proof of your written signature
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Illinois driver's license or ID card (current or expired less than 1 year)
     • Passport (U.S. or foreign)
     • Current out-of-state driver's license or ID card
     • Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or Diners Club)
     • Canceled check (dated within 90 days)
     • Social Security card
     • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
     • U.S. military driver's license, ID card or service record (e.g. DD 214)
     • Medicare card with suffix A, J, H, M or T, a court order, or mortgage or installment loan documents

2. Choose where to go

   Walk in at the REAL ID Supercenter, 191 N. Clark St., Chicago (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., through the end of 2026), or go to a full-service DMV. Some DMVs require appointments, so check ahead. Seniors can also walk in at the four seniors-only DMVs (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

   Make an appointment ↗

3. At the DMV

   Apply for your REAL ID and get a temporary paper driver's license or state ID on site.

   REAL ID on ilsos.gov ↗

4. Watch your mail

   Your permanent card should arrive within 15 business days. If it hasn't, check the mailing status online.

   Mailing status ↗