
International students in Illinois might need or want to obtain a State ID. To be eligible for an Illinois State ID Card, you must have a Social Security Number. Applicants can apply in person at the DMV, providing the required documents, including one document that verifies their IL address.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | International students with a Social Security Number |
| Where to apply | At the nearest DMV office within the state of Illinois |
| Documents required | One document verifying IL address (e.g. tuition statement or apartment lease agreement) |
| Fee | 18-20 years old = $5; 21-68 years old = $30 |
| Voter registration | Must decline |
| Driving test | Citizens of Canada, England, France, and Germany are exempt |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

International students need a Social Security Number to apply for a State ID
International students in Illinois who want to apply for a State ID must first obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). This can be a challenging process if you are not employed on campus, do not have work authorization, or are not on OPT. However, once you have your SSN, you can proceed with the State ID application.
The State of Illinois requires international students to have a Social Security Number to apply for a State ID. This identification card is issued by the State and can be obtained by visiting the nearest DMV office with the required documents. To locate the nearest DMV office, you can use the online tool provided by the State of Illinois.
To apply for a State ID in Illinois, international students should ensure they have the necessary documents, including their passport with visa, I-20 forms (old and current), and I-94 forms. Additionally, they will need to prove their identity by accumulating four points through various means, such as presenting a credit card issued by a US bank, which counts for one point.
The process of obtaining a State ID typically involves taking a picture, submitting an application, and making the required payment. The cost of the State ID varies depending on its validity period: $10 for a four-year ID and $14 for an eight-year ID. Applicants can pay using cash or credit. Once the payment is made, a temporary ID is provided, and the permanent State ID is mailed to the applicant's address within a couple of weeks.
It is important to note that the process may be time-consuming, so applicants are advised to arrive at the DMV as early as 8 am to avoid long waits. Additionally, international students who are temporarily outside of Illinois, such as those on military assignments or college students studying out of state, may still be eligible to renew their Illinois driver's license while out of state. They will need to complete the necessary exams, provide acceptable documentation, and pay the renewal fee.
International Students: Play Soccer in the US?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Apply for the ID at the nearest DMV office
To apply for a State ID in Illinois, international students can visit the nearest DMV office. The application process requires specific documents, and it is important to ensure that the chosen DMV office provides the required services.
Firstly, international students must possess a Social Security Number to be eligible for an Illinois State ID. This requirement is essential, and without it, students cannot obtain a State ID.
Secondly, applicants need to present acceptable identification documents. These documents typically include a Social Security Card or Form SSA-L676 (SSN letter of ineligibility). Additionally, a tuition invoice or an enrollment verification letter issued by the educational institution can be used as supporting documentation.
When visiting the DMV office, it is important to bring the required documents and be prepared to pay the associated fees. The cost of obtaining a State ID varies depending on the applicant's age. For individuals between 18 and 20 years old, the fee is $5, while for those between 21 and 68 years old, the fee increases to $30.
It is worth noting that international students must apply for their State ID in the state where their educational institution is located. Out-of-state applications are generally not accepted. Additionally, when applying for a State ID, students will be asked if they want to register to vote, and they must decline this option.
Exploring Post-Graduation Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pay a fee of $5 if aged 18-20, or $30 if 21-68
To obtain a State ID in Illinois, international students must apply in person at a Secretary of State facility (also known as a DMV). The State ID is a form of identification issued by the State of Illinois, and international students may apply for the ID if they have a Social Security Number.
The fees for a State ID in Illinois vary depending on the applicant's age. If you are under 18 years old, it costs $5 to obtain an Illinois State ID. For those aged 18-20, the fee is also $5. However, for individuals aged 21-68, the fee increases to $30. It is important to note that there are certain cases where individuals may qualify for a no-fee identification card. For example, a person between 16 and 20 years old who is a Youth in Care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can obtain an ID card free of charge with the proper documentation. Additionally, individuals with permanent disabilities can apply for a Person with a Disability ID card, which serves as proof of disability and is available at no cost.
When applying for a State ID, it is essential to ensure that the chosen facility provides the required service. Applicants must also bring the necessary documents, including proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and signature.
International Students: Working for Uber Eats?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Provide one document that verifies your IL address
To get a State ID in Illinois, international students must provide one document that verifies their Illinois address. This is because a State ID is a form of identification issued by the State of Illinois, and applicants must prove their residency in the state.
To prove your Illinois address, you can provide any one of the following documents:
- A utility bill (gas, water, electric, or landline phone) issued within the last 60 days.
- A bank or credit card statement issued within the last 60 days.
- A lease or rental agreement that includes your name and the property's address.
- A letter from a homeless shelter verifying that you receive mail there.
- A letter from a school district verifying that you live within the district's boundaries.
- A letter from a government agency verifying that you receive services at an Illinois address.
Please note that the document you provide must include your name and the address of your residence in Illinois. It should also be an original document, not a photocopy or a digital copy, and it must be current, not expired or outdated.
You can apply for your State ID at the nearest DMV office, but do check beforehand that the office provides the service you need.
Exploring UCF: Meeting Places for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

A State ID is for identification only and cannot be used to drive
International students in Illinois might need or want to obtain a form of identification during their stay. A State ID is a form of identification issued by the State of Illinois, and international students may apply for one if they have a Social Security Number.
The State ID is for identification only and cannot be used to drive. Therefore, it is not a substitute for a driver's license. International students who want to drive will need to obtain a driver's license. An international driver's license is not valid in the State of Illinois, but citizens can drive with a valid license from their home country for up to 90 days after their arrival. After the initial 90 days, international students can apply for a standard Illinois driver's license.
To obtain an Illinois State ID, international students can apply at their nearest DMV office. They must bring the required documents, which include a document that verifies their Illinois address, such as an ISU tuition statement or apartment lease agreement. Applicants must also pay a fee, which is $5 for 18-20-year-olds and $30 for 21-68-year-olds. It is important to note that when asked, international students must decline to register to vote.
For international students who also want to obtain a driver's license, there are a few options. First, they can apply for a temporary visitor driver's license, which is for driving only and cannot be used as a form of identification. To be eligible, applicants must be ineligible for a Social Security Number. Second, they can apply for a standard Illinois driver's license, which can be used for identification and driving.
Transferring to Harvard as an International Student
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students might need or want to obtain a State ID during their stay in Illinois. It can be useful for proving identity when, for example, banking or travelling.
To apply for an Illinois State ID, you must have a Social Security Number. You will also need one document that verifies your Illinois address. Most international students use their tuition statement or apartment lease agreement for this.
You can apply for an Illinois State ID at your nearest DMV office. You must apply at a DMV located within the state of Illinois.
The cost of an Illinois State ID varies depending on your age. If you are between 18 and 20 years old, the fee is $5. If you are between 21 and 68 years old, the fee is $30.











































