What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID in Illinois

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 Illinois residency, and your current driver's license or state ID card. The Secretary of State's office will not issue a Real ID without all four categories of documents — you cannot substitute one for another or come back later with missing items.

Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license or ID card to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Illinois calls its version a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card. The documents themselves do not change what you can do; the Real ID designation on your card does. If you already have an Illinois driver's license or ID card, you can renew it as a Real ID card at your next renewal, or you can go to a Secretary of State office now and request the Real ID version without waiting.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers as proof of identity — photocopies are not accepted.
Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return showing your full nine-digit number counts as proof of your Social Security number.
Proof of Illinois residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will need your current Illinois driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired, to show you already have a state-issued ID.
Bring originals or certified copies; the Secretary of State will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images for any document.

Proof of identity documents that Illinois accepts

Your proof of identity must be an original document or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it. The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a military discharge certificate (Form DD-214), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be an official certified copy with an apostille or official translation if it is not in English.

A photocopy of any of these documents will not work, even if it is notarized. The office staff will examine the original to check the security features and confirm it matches your appearance. If you do not have one of these documents, you will need to obtain it before you can get a Real ID. A birth certificate can take several weeks to arrive from the vital records office in the state where you were born, so plan ahead if you need to order one.

Proof of your Social Security number

You can show your Social Security number using your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security Administration letter. The document must show your full nine-digit number — a partial number or a letter stating you have a number is not enough. If you have your Social Security card, bring the original; if you are using a tax document, bring the original or a certified copy from the IRS.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID in Illinois. You would need to contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one first. That process takes several weeks, so if you are in this situation, start there before you go to the Secretary of State.

Proof of Illinois residency within the last 60 days

Your residency document must show your name and your current Illinois address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days from the day you visit the Secretary of State office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance bill, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

Bank statements and credit card statements do not count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring the most recent document you have with your current address, even if it is slightly older than 60 days — the office may accept it if you can explain the delay. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the Secretary of State office what alternative documents they will accept, as some offices have flexibility for people in transition.

Your current Illinois driver's license or state ID card

Bring your current Illinois driver's license or state ID card, even if it has expired. The Secretary of State uses this to confirm you already have a state-issued ID and to pull up your existing record. If you do not have an Illinois ID card, you cannot get a Real ID — you would need to get a standard Illinois driver's license or ID card first, then convert it to Real ID at your next renewal or by requesting the upgrade in person.

If your card is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a letter from the Secretary of State confirming the loss. If you have never had an Illinois driver's license or ID card, you will need to follow the process for a first-time applicant, which requires additional documents such as proof of your name change (if applicable) and may require a vision test and written exam.

What to bring to the Secretary of State office

Gather all four categories of documents before you go: one identity document, one Social Security document, one residency document dated within 60 days, and your current Illinois ID card. Put them in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Bring the originals — do not send copies ahead or expect the office to accept faxes or email scans.

The Secretary of State office will make copies of your documents for their file, so you do not need to bring duplicates. Bring your documents in person to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check before you go, because showing up without an appointment may mean a long wait or being turned away.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a passport card if you have a passport book, and you do not need both. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category — one proof of identity, one Social Security document, and one residency document are enough. You do not need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order unless your name on your identity document does not match the name on your Social Security card or residency document, in which case you should bring the document that explains the change.

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship beyond your identity document. You do not need to bring your birth certificate if you have a passport. You do not need to bring a notarized copy of anything — the Secretary of State wants originals or certified copies from the government agency that issued them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship?

Yes. Your U.S. passport serves as proof of identity for the Real ID process, and it also proves citizenship. You still need to bring a Social Security document, a residency document, and your current Illinois ID card.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will use both to confirm the name change is legal and update your record.

Do I need to bring originals, or can I bring certified copies?

Certified copies are acceptable for most documents, such as birth certificates and tax returns. Originals are preferred when possible. Photocopies, notarized copies, and digital images are not accepted under any circumstances.

What if my residency document is older than 60 days?

Bring it anyway and explain the situation to the office staff. Some offices have discretion for documents slightly outside the 60-day window, especially if you recently moved and are waiting for a new utility bill. The worst they can do is ask you to come back with a newer document.

Can I get a Real ID by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services office in person with your original documents. The office staff will examine your documents and take your photo for your new Real ID card.

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.