The documents Illinois requires for a Real ID

To get a Real ID in Illinois, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your date of birth. Most people bring the same documents they used for their first driver's license or state ID, plus one additional document. The Illinois Secretary of State's office accepts a specific list of documents for each category — bringing something that looks official but isn't on the list will slow you down.

Real ID is a federal security standard that lets you use your driver's license or state ID card to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Illinois began issuing Real ID cards in 2009, and as of May 2025, you need one to fly within the United States. If you already have an Illinois driver's license or ID card, you may already have Real ID — check the top right corner of your card for a gold star. If you see a star, you're done. If not, you'll need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring the documents listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or REAL ID driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity and date of birth together, so you only need to bring three other documents instead of four.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return all work as proof of your Social Security number — you do not need all three.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days proves your current address.
  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person; you cannot mail in documents or use an online service.

Proof of identity documents

For proof of identity, Illinois accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, passport book, REAL ID driver's license or ID card from another state, military ID, or an Illinois driver's license or ID card issued before Real ID became available. You can also use a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

If you bring a U.S. passport or passport card, you do not need to bring a separate document for proof of date of birth — the passport covers both. This saves you one trip to find documents. If you bring anything else from the identity list, you will need a separate document showing your date of birth.

The document must not be expired, except for a U.S. passport or passport card, which can be expired. Military ID and Trusted Traveler cards must be current.

Proof of Social Security number

Illinois accepts your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a birth certificate that shows your Social Security number. You need only one of these — bringing multiple does not speed up the process.

If you do not have your Social Security card, a recent tax return is usually the easiest to find. If you have never filed taxes, a Social Security statement (which you can order free from ssa.gov) works. A birth certificate works only if it actually lists your Social Security number on it; many do not.

Proof of date of birth

Illinois accepts a birth certificate, passport, passport card, military ID, Trusted Traveler card, permanent resident card, foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or an Illinois driver's license or ID card. You do not need this document if you are bringing a U.S. passport or passport card as your proof of identity.

A birth certificate must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or a hospital copy does not count. If you were born outside the United States, the birth certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator, and you must bring both the original and the translation.

Proof of address

Illinois accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency — all dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current name and current Illinois address.

A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option. If you rent and do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement works. If you own your home, a mortgage statement or property tax bill works. A bank statement or credit card statement also counts if it shows your address and is dated within 60 days.

Documents older than 60 days will not be accepted. If you just moved, bring the most recent document you have — the Secretary of State staff can see the date and will tell you whether it qualifies.

What to bring if you were born outside the United States

If you were born outside the U.S., you need the same four categories of documents, but your birth certificate must be an official vital record from the country where you were born. A photocopy is not acceptable. You must also bring a certified English translation of the birth certificate if it is in another language — a translation done by a friend or family member does not count.

You can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the country where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead. Some countries have U.S. embassy offices that can help you obtain certified copies. If you need a translation, look for a certified translator in your area or through your state's court system — the cost is usually $15 to $50 per document.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a Social Security card if you have a W-2, tax return, or other document from the list. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category — one proof of identity is enough, one proof of address is enough, and so on.

You do not need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate if you are bringing a U.S. passport, as the passport already proves both identity and date of birth. You do not need to bring a letter from your employer, a school ID, a library card, or any other document not on the Secretary of State's official list — these will not be accepted, even if they seem official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. You must bring the original documents in person to a Secretary of State facility. You cannot mail them in or submit photos online. The staff need to see the documents themselves to verify they are real and not expired.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State staff will review it and determine whether your documents are acceptable. Call your local Secretary of State office before you visit if you are unsure.

Do I need to bring my current Illinois driver's license?

No, but it can help. If you already have an Illinois driver's license or ID card, bring it with you — it counts as proof of identity. If you do not have one, you will need to bring one of the other identity documents from the list.

Can I use a lease agreement if my name is not on it?

No. The lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, or other address document must show your current name and current address. If you live with someone else and their name is on the lease, you will need to bring a different address document, such as a utility bill in your name or a letter from a government agency.

What if my birth certificate is more than 60 days old?

A birth certificate does not have an expiration date, so age does not matter. The 60-day rule applies only to address documents like utility bills and bank statements. Bring your birth certificate no matter how old it is.