Step 1 of 6: Proof of Identity, Date of Birth and U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status

To apply for a REAL ID card, all applicants must provide proof of identity.

The federal government requires an applicant to provide full legal name, which is the name that will appear on your physical DL/ID.

Select a document that has your current full legal name (first, middle and last). An original document or certified copy is required.

Select ONE of the following documents.

Step 2 of 6: Check Your Name

Name change documents, such as a certified marriage certificate etc., are required by the federal government if your current name is different than the name that appears on your identity document (example: birth certificate).

Please note: Multiple name change documents will be required if your name has changed multiple times.

Select ONE

Step 3 of 6: Proof of Your Full Social Security Number (SSN)

The Secretary of State's office will electronically verify your name, date of birth and SSN with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Make sure your document is up-to-date and accurate to avoid delay. If you need to correct or update information with SSA, do so several days before you apply for a DL/ID. If eligible, you can request a replacement SSN card. Visit the SSA website at https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.

Select ONE of the following documents.

Step 4 of 6: Provide Proof of Residency

To establish proof of Illinois residency, you must present TWO documents that contain your residence address. The documents must list your first and last name and match the residence address as listed on your DL/ID application.

If the residency documents reflect a name that differs from the identity document due to a name change (for example: marriage, divorce, or court order), additional documentation will be required as evidence of the name change. For example: a minor child may use a residency document with the mother's name differing from the birth certificate by also presenting a marriage certificate and/or dissolution of marriage document showing the mother's different last name, which is on the residency document.

Select TWO of the following documents.

Step 5 of 6: Written Signature

Select ONE of the following documents.

Step 6 of 6: Get Your Documents

The following list contains the documents you need to bring with you to a Secretary of State Facility. You can print this list for future reference.Please make sure all your documents are up-to-date and correct

All acceptable documents presented for verification or proof must be valid (current and not expired). Hard copy documents are required because we are required to scan all documents; images from a cellphone are not accepted. An applicant may print the image (e.g., bank statement) and provide the printed copy when presenting documentation. Account numbers must be visible. Photocopies will not be accepted.