What you need to renew your Illinois ID in person or by mail

Illinois ID renewal happens through the Secretary of State's office, and the path depends on whether your ID is still valid or expired. If your ID is not yet expired, you can renew by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you — no trip to a facility required. If your ID has been expired for more than a year, or if you never received a renewal notice, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person.

The state processes mail renewals in about two weeks. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day. Both routes cost the same: $30 for a standard ID card valid for five years, or $50 for a REAL ID-compliant card valid for five years. The REAL ID card works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building; the standard card does not.

Key Takeaways

  • If your ID has not expired yet, use the renewal notice the state mailed you to renew by mail without visiting a facility.
  • If your ID expired more than a year ago or you never received a notice, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • A REAL ID card costs $20 more than a standard card but is required for federal travel and building access starting May 2025.

Renewing by mail if your ID is still valid

The Secretary of State mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before your ID expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope, a renewal form, and instructions. You do not need to fill out the form — you can straightforward sign the back of the notice, include your current ID, and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope. Do not include payment; the state has already charged your card on file.

If you want to change your address, add REAL ID compliance, or update your photo, you cannot do that by mail. You will need to visit a facility in person instead. Mail renewal is only for straightforward renewals with no changes. The state will send your new card to the address currently on file, so if you have moved recently, consider renewing in person to update your address at the same time.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility

You will need to bring your current ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have your current ID, bring your birth certificate or passport instead.

Walk into any Secretary of State facility during business hours — no appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while the state mails your card, which usually arrives within two weeks. If you are renewing a REAL ID card, tell the staff when you arrive. The process is the same, but the card will be marked as REAL ID-compliant and will cost $50 instead of $30.

What to do if your ID has been expired for more than a year

The state treats long-expired IDs differently than recently expired ones. You cannot renew by mail if your ID has been expired for more than 12 months. You must visit a Secretary of State facility and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number.

The renewal process itself is identical — new photo, verification, and a temporary paper ID on the spot. The only difference is that you cannot skip the in-person step, even if you have a renewal notice in your records. Once your ID has been expired for more than a year, the mail-in option is no longer available to you, so plan to visit a facility during hours that work for your schedule.

Finding a Secretary of State facility near you

The Secretary of State operates facilities in most Illinois counties. You can find the one closest to you on the state's website by entering your ZIP code. Facilities are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have limited hours or are closed on certain days. A few facilities offer Saturday hours; check your local facility's schedule before you go.

If you live far from any facility or have mobility challenges, contact your local facility directly to ask about options. Some facilities can accommodate requests, though availability varies. The Secretary of State's main office can also direct you to the nearest location if you have trouble finding one online.

Choosing between a standard ID and a REAL ID

A standard Illinois ID card works for state purposes like voting, banking, and driving. A REAL ID card does the same things but also works for federal purposes: boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base. The federal government requires REAL ID for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

REAL ID requires one extra step: you must bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) in addition to your standard documents. The card itself looks similar to a standard ID but has a small star in the upper right corner. If you are unsure whether you need REAL ID, the Transportation Security Administration website has a checklist of activities that require it.

What happens if you lose your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice but lost it, you can still renew by mail. Contact the Secretary of State's office and request a duplicate notice, or straightforward visit a facility in person instead. You do not need the original notice to renew — it is just a convenience. If you have your current ID and proof of address, you can walk into any facility and renew when ready.

Requesting a duplicate notice usually takes a few business days by mail, so if you are short on time, visiting a facility in person is faster. Either way, losing the notice does not delay your renewal or change the documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ID online?

No. Illinois does not offer online ID renewal. You must either mail in your renewal notice (if your ID has not expired) or visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal.

What if I moved and my ID has my old address?

You must renew in person to update your address. Bring your current ID, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. The staff will update your address during the renewal process.

How long does a temporary paper ID last?

Your temporary paper ID is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card usually arrives by mail within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary ID covers you until it does. If you need to travel before your card arrives, bring both the temporary ID and a photo ID like a passport.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person. The Secretary of State takes a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same as your current ID.

What if my name changed since my last ID?

You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name and take a new photo during the renewal.