The documents Illinois requires for Real ID

To get a Real ID in Illinois, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The Illinois Secretary of State's office accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot substitute one type for another. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

You will also need to bring your current Illinois driver's license or state ID card if you have one. If you do not have one yet, you can still get a Real ID as your first ID, but the document requirements stay the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, address, and lawful presence — not just any documents, but specific ones the Secretary of State accepts.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and lawful presence proof, so bringing one cuts the number of documents you need.
  • Your current driver's license or ID card must come with you, even though you are replacing it with a Real ID version.
  • Certified copies from a government office work, but photocopies and notarized copies do not, even if a notary stamps them.

Proof of identity documents accepted in Illinois

For identity, the Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital birth certificate or a copy you made yourself will not work.

A military ID works even if it has expired. If you are using a passport or passport card, bring the actual document; a photo of it on your phone is not enough. Military dependents can use a military dependent ID card as long as it includes a photo and an expiration date.

Proof of Social Security number

The Secretary of State accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. Your Social Security card must be an original or certified copy. If you have lost your card, you can get a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your Real ID appointment, or you can bring one of the other documents instead.

Tax forms (W-2 or 1099) must show your full Social Security number and your name. A letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number also works. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter — both are free.

Proof of Illinois address

For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your current Illinois address, and it cannot be more than 90 days old. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option because it clearly shows both.

If you have recently moved and your lease or utility bill still shows an old address, bring the new lease or a recent utility bill in your name at the new address instead. A bank statement works as long as it is dated within the last 90 days and shows your name and address. Printed statements from online banking count.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

For lawful presence, the Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, or a visa with your I-94 arrival record. If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport or certified birth certificate is the simplest option.

If you have a green card or employment authorization document, bring the original. If you have a visa, you will also need your I-94 arrival record, which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website using your passport number. Naturalization certificates also count as proof of lawful presence.

Documents you can combine to reduce what you bring

A U.S. passport or passport card covers both identity and lawful presence, so if you have one, you only need to bring documents for Social Security number and address. A military ID also covers both categories. This means you could walk in with four documents total: passport, Social Security card, utility bill, and your current driver's license.

A certified birth certificate covers both identity and lawful presence as well. If you use a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill, you have everything you need along with your current ID. Planning which documents to bring can save you a trip if you gather them before your appointment.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Bring all original documents or certified copies in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Bring your current Illinois driver's license or state ID card even though you are getting a new one. Bring your Social Security card or one of the other Social Security documents listed above.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The Secretary of State's office will not accept uncertified translations. If you are unsure whether a document counts, call your local Secretary of State office before your appointment — they can tell you whether what you have will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified one?

No. A hospital birth certificate is not accepted. You need a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from that office, and it usually arrives within one to two weeks.

What if my name has changed since my documents were issued?

Bring the documents showing your old name along with proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Secretary of State will use both to confirm your identity. Make sure the name change document is a certified copy.

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

Originals or certified copies work. Photocopies and notarized copies do not count. A certified copy comes from the government office that issued the document — for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office, not a copy you had notarized at a bank.

Can I use a lease agreement that is not yet signed?

No. Your lease must be signed by you and the landlord. An unsigned lease does not prove you live at that address. A signed lease dated within the last 90 days works as address proof.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one first. Once you receive your number and card, you can schedule your Real ID appointment. The process usually takes two to four weeks.