An Illinois State ID costs $20 for adults ages 18 through 64 and $5 for applicants under 18. Residents 65 and older, people with qualifying disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and several other groups pay nothing. A REAL ID-compliant card costs the same as a standard card.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
Every Fee at a Glance
The Illinois Identification Card Act sets what the Secretary of State can charge. The card is valid for five years and expires on your birthday.
- New or renewed card, ages 18–64: $20
- New or renewed card, under 18: $5
- Corrected card (name, address, or other change): $10 for adults, $5 for those under 18
- Duplicate card (lost or damaged): $20 for adults, $5 for those under 18
- Duplicate or corrected temporary 90-day card: $5
The same amounts apply whether you choose the standard card or the REAL ID version.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
Who Pays Nothing
Illinois waives the fee entirely for a fairly long list of residents. If you fall into any of these categories, an original, renewal, correction, or duplicate is free:
- Residents 65 and older, for any ID transaction.2Justia Law. Illinois Code 15 ILCS 335 – Illinois Identification Card Act
- People with disabilities, with a completed Disabled ID form.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
- People experiencing homelessness, with a signed and notarized Homeless Status Certification form.3Illinois Secretary of State. Homeless Status Certification
- Foster youth ages 16–21, for the first card issued while DCFS is legally responsible for them.2Justia Law. Illinois Code 15 ILCS 335 – Illinois Identification Card Act
- People released from the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a federal prison in Illinois, or a county jail.2Justia Law. Illinois Code 15 ILCS 335 – Illinois Identification Card Act
- Veterans living in a state veterans home or hospital.2Justia Law. Illinois Code 15 ILCS 335 – Illinois Identification Card Act
- Active-duty military members, their spouses, and dependents, for duplicate cards with a valid military ID.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
Waivers for Lost or Stolen Cards
Two more waivers are worth knowing. If your ID is stolen and you file a police report, the duplicate fee is waived. If you are 60 or older and your card is lost or stolen, the duplicate is free either way, police report or not.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
How the Homeless Fee Waiver Works
The Homeless Status Certification form has to be completed by an agency where you reside or receive services. A representative signs it, and it must be notarized. The form is only good for 90 days after notarization, so plan the timing carefully.
One detail that surprises people: the permanent card is mailed to the agency, not to you. You have 60 days to pick it up. If you don’t, the agency must return the card to the Secretary of State.3Illinois Secretary of State. Homeless Status Certification
Does REAL ID Cost More?
No. The REAL ID-compliant card is priced identically to the standard card at every age. What differs is the paperwork you bring to the facility, not the fee.1Illinois Secretary of State. Basic Fees
One boundary is worth flagging when you’re weighing which to get. Since May 7, 2025, a standard Illinois State ID is no longer accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities such as military bases and federal courthouses. For those, you need a REAL ID, a valid U.S. passport, or another federally approved ID. A standard card still works for everything else, including check cashing, age verification, and dealings with state and local agencies.4Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID
Adding a Veteran Designation
Honorably discharged veterans can have “Veteran” printed on the card. Adding it at your regular renewal is free. Adding it before your renewal date costs $10 for an updated card. Veterans 65 and older pay nothing in either situation. Bring discharge documentation such as a DD-214 or a VA summary of benefits letter.5Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Veteran Driver’s License
How and Where You Pay
You pay the fee in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility when you apply. Cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards are generally accepted, though methods can vary by location. You’ll leave with a temporary paper ID good for 90 days, and the permanent card typically arrives by mail within about 15 business days. If it doesn’t show up in that window, contact the Secretary of State’s office rather than paying for a new application.