Getting a Standard Illinois State ID Card
A Guide for People Experiencing Homelessness
If you were born outside the US and are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you may qualify for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) or the Chicago CityKey. Learn more:
Chicago CityKey
1. Get your birth certificate*
Fill out a birth certificate form with the help of a homeless service provider, school homeless liaison, or attorney. If you were born in Illinois, you can get a free birth certificate.
*If you were born outside the US but have a Social Security Number, you can skip this step. You can use your green card or other proof of legal immigration status to get your Social Security card.
2. Get your Social Security Card
Apply in person at any Social Security Office. You must apply for a Social Security Card in person at your local office. You can complete the application in advance here.
- Bring your Birth Certificate and another form of ID to get your Social Security Card. Other forms of ID include a: school, work, or military ID, or a medical insurance card (excluding Medicare). Medical records or a school transcript may also be accepted. For the complete list of original documents accepted, please visit: uniqo.de/sscarddocs
- If you do not have a second form of ID, you should apply for Medicaid. Once enrolled, they will send you an insurance card.
- If you have a DD214 or a Social Security Award Letter as a Primary Beneficiary, you can use that instead of a Social Security Card to get an ID.
3. Get a Homeless Status Certification or Proof of Residency
- Complete the Homeless Status Certification form (uniqo.de/homelesscert) with a homeless service provider or an attorney and get it notarized. This form serves as BOTH proof of residency and an ID fee waiver. The address of your service provider or attorney will be the address on your ID.
OR - Provide proof of residency like a utility bill, an official school transcript or report card, a pay stub, bank statement, or a lease. Any document used must have your full name and address.
3. Get a Homeless Status Certification or Proof of Residency
Bring your birth certificate, social security card, and homeless status certification or proof of residency with you to the nearest Secretary of State facility (uniqo.de/finddmv) to get your Illinois State ID. If using proof of residency rather than a homeless status certification, you will need to pay a fee up to $20. Fee waivers are not valid for a Driver’s License.
- Temporary IDs are issued the same day.
- Permanent IDs are mailed within 3 weeks to either the provider on your homeless status certification or the address provided on your proof of residency document. If it is mailed to a service provider, you must stay in touch with them and pick up the ID in a timely manner. If you do not pick it up within 60 days of when the service provider receives it, they are required by law to mail it back.
