Illinois ID Guide
Illinois license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus the Illinois mobile ID and the state's age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2016Issued statewide since July 2016, mailed from a central site
- Older design still valid
- TVDLTemporary visitor's licenses, until they lapse by mid 2027
- Digital ID
- Apple WalletSince 19 Nov 2025. Google and Samsung not yet. The card is still required
- Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, hemp
- 21Any government ID showing age and identity is accepted for alcohol
Illinois licenses and IDs
Sample images: Illinois Secretary of State (central issuance brochure of Feb 2016 and REAL ID flyer of Mar 2023, both read from copies posted by others, as the agency site blocked automated access) and the agency sample shown by Capitol News Illinois on 1 Jul 2023. Images were cropped to the card and turned the right way up; nothing else was changed.
2016 design, REAL ID
CurrentBack of the card
- Barcodes
- A 1D barcode along the top edge and a 2D barcode below it on the right.
- Numbers at top left
- A card number and code at the top left, then Rev. and the design revision date.
- Class and endorsements
- Spelled out in words, for example Class: D-Single Veh GVWR 16000 or Less Except Cycles.
- UV feature
- The agency says a feature on the back repeats the photo and birth date under ultraviolet light.
- Magnetic stripe
- None shown on the agency sample.
- About this image
- From the 2016 brochure. It is small and shows the back used since 2016.
- Record
- IL-DL-2016
- First issued
- Jul 2016
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The design issued since 2016, here with the REAL ID gold star. The 2023 agency sample carries the name of the current Secretary of State, the word SAMPLE and the VETERAN mark at the lower right.
What to check on the front of the 2016 design, REAL ID
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine Illinois document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Takes partAAMVA lists Illinois as taking part in its Driver's License Data Verification service with no restrictions. The service is for approved businesses and agencies, not the public.
- Public status check
- Not confirmedThe Secretary of State website blocked our checks, so no public license status tool could be confirmed.
- Keeping ID data
- Strictly limitedSince 7 Aug 2026, data read from a license or state ID may be kept only as long as strictly necessary, and never sold or used for marketing. $250 per violation.
- Mobile ID at the counter
- Verify with a readerThe ILCC says a mobile ID must be verified with the ILSOS Mobile ID Check app or an ISO 18013-5 reader. A look at the phone screen is not enough.
- Cannabis dispensaries
- Must scanA dispensary must scan the ID electronically to check age and validity, and may not keep the buyer's data except as the law allows.
- Face matching a selfie
- Written consentA scan of face geometry is a biometric identifier under BIPA. Written notice and a written release come first.
Sources: Central issuance brochure, Feb 2016 (copy) (opens in a new tab) · SOS article, Illinois Municipal Review, Aug 2016 (opens in a new tab) · SOS release, 17 May 2016 (copy) (opens in a new tab) · REAL ID flyer, Mar 2023 (copy) (opens in a new tab) · Capitol News Illinois, 1 Jul 2023 (opens in a new tab) · ILCC release, 19 Nov 2025 (opens in a new tab) · ILCC Mobile IDs for Licensees, Dec 2025 (opens in a new tab) · 625 ILCS 5/6-110 (opens in a new tab) · 625 ILCS 5/6-115 (opens in a new tab) · 625 ILCS 5/6-105.1 (opens in a new tab) · 625 ILCS 5/6-101 (opens in a new tab) · 625 ILCS 5/6-117.1 (opens in a new tab) · 15 ILCS 335/4 (opens in a new tab) · 15 ILCS 335/8 (opens in a new tab) · 15 ILCS 335/14D (opens in a new tab) · 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.5 (opens in a new tab) · 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.8 (opens in a new tab) · 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.9 (opens in a new tab) · 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.89 (opens in a new tab) · 410 ILCS 705/10-20 (opens in a new tab) · 740 ILCS 14/15 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, participation map (opens in a new tab)
How to read a Illinois card
- Gold star, upper rightREAL IDThe rules say a REAL ID card shall bear a gold star.
- Federal Limits ApplyNot REAL IDA valid Illinois license or ID. Fine for driving and general ID, not for federal purposes.
- Upright cardIssued to someone under 21With UNDER 21 UNTIL on a red bar and UNDER 18 UNTIL on a yellow bar, each with a date.
- Limited TermNot a US citizen or permanent residentOn a REAL ID card. It ends with the holder's authorized stay. No sample was found.
- TVDL in a purple bandTemporary visitor's licenseNOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION. None issued since 1 Jul 2024; the last lapse by mid 2027.
- Secure paper licenseTemporary documentValid 90 days while the card is mailed. TSA will not accept it.
How long a Illinois card lasts
Sources: 625 ILCS 5/6-115 (opens in a new tab) · 15 ILCS 335/8 (opens in a new tab) · 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.8 (opens in a new tab)
Illinois digital ID
- Digital license issued by Illinois
- AvailableSince 19 Nov 2025, for holders of a valid physical license or state ID. Optional.
- In Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet
- Apple onlyGoogle and Samsung were still listed as coming soon in a Sep 2026 report. No launch date was found.
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe holder must carry the physical card. No one may require a mobile ID instead of a card.
- Alcohol and age-restricted sales
- Accepted, optionalOnly when verified with the free ILSOS Mobile ID Check app or an ISO 18013-5 reader. Businesses need not accept it.
- Airport security
- TSAAccepted at O'Hare, Midway and other participating airports, as reported at launch.
- Police at a traffic stop
- Not requiredPolice are not required to accept it, and showing it is not consent to search the phone.
Sources: 625 ILCS 5/6-101 (opens in a new tab) · ILCC release, 19 Nov 2025 (opens in a new tab) · Capitol News Illinois, 18 Nov 2025 (opens in a new tab) · Q98.5 report, Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Illinois mobile ID by wallet
The same Illinois mobile license or ID, offered in Apple Wallet. Google and Samsung are announced.
| Apple WalletAvailable | Google WalletAnnounced | Samsung WalletAnnounced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showing it | |||
| In person | YesHeld to a reader. The holder consents before data is sent | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Online, to a website or app | Not statedNot stated | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Age only, without other details | YesThe Secretary of State says a venue checking 21 sees only that | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Acceptance | |||
| Airport security | YesTSA, at participating airports | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | YesAlcohol and other age sales, if the business verifies it with a reader | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Police at a traffic stop | LimitedPolice are not required to accept it | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| Replaces the physical card | NoThe physical card must still be carried | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| For verifiers | |||
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | YesISO/IEC 18013-5 device retrieval, under the state rules | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| On the issuers' trust list | Not statedNot confirmed | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon | Not statedNot launched. Listed as coming soon |
| How a business reads it | The free ILSOS Mobile ID Check app for iPhone, or an ISO 18013-5 reader. A photo or screenshot of a license is not a mobile ID. | Not launched. | Not launched. |
| Cost to the holder | No fee was found in the law or rules. Not confirmed. | Not confirmed. | Not confirmed. |
Apple WalletAvailable
Showing it
- In person
- YesHeld to a reader. The holder consents before data is sent
- Online, to a website or app
- Not statedNot stated
- Age only, without other details
- YesThe Secretary of State says a venue checking 21 sees only that
Acceptance
- Airport security
- YesTSA, at participating airports
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- YesAlcohol and other age sales, if the business verifies it with a reader
- Police at a traffic stop
- LimitedPolice are not required to accept it
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe physical card must still be carried
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- YesISO/IEC 18013-5 device retrieval, under the state rules
- On the issuers' trust list
- Not statedNot confirmed
- How a business reads it
- The free ILSOS Mobile ID Check app for iPhone, or an ISO 18013-5 reader. A photo or screenshot of a license is not a mobile ID.
- Cost to the holder
- No fee was found in the law or rules. Not confirmed.
Sources: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.9 (opens in a new tab) · 15 ILCS 335/4 (opens in a new tab) · ILCC release, 19 Nov 2025 (opens in a new tab) · ILCC Mobile IDs for Licensees, Dec 2025 (opens in a new tab) · NPR Illinois, 18 Nov 2025 (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in Illinois
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 13
- In effect
- 12
- Touched by a court case
- 1
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | |||||
| Proof of age for alcohol235 ILCS 5/6-16 · 5/6-20 (opens in a new tab) | Liquor licensees, their staff, and carriers delivering alcohol | 21+ | Refuse the sale without adequate written evidence of age and identity | In effectIn effect | Class A misdemeanor, fine of at least $500 · license action by the ILCC or local commissioner |
| Alcohol delivery235 ILCS 5/6-16(a)(ii) · 5/6-28.8 (opens in a new tab) | Carriers delivering alcohol and retailers delivering cocktails | 21+ | Get an adult signature at delivery; verify the recipient's age | In effectIn effect | Carriers: up to $1,001, then $5,000, then $10,000 per shipment |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco and vapor products, age 21720 ILCS 675/1 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling tobacco, e-cigarettes or alternative nicotine products | 21+ | Check government photo ID for anyone who appears under 30; online sales need third-party age verification | In effectIn effect · shipping rule since 1 Jan 2025 | Petty offense: $200, $400, $600, then $800 in 24 months |
| Cannabis | |||||
| Cannabis sales410 ILCS 705/10-20 · 705/15-85 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed dispensing organizations | 21+ | Scan a valid government photo ID electronically; do not keep the buyer's data | In effectIn effect | Class A misdemeanor for false ID · license discipline by IDFPR |
| Hemp-derived THC productsIllinois Hemp Act · P.A. 104-463 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling hemp-derived products | 21+ | Intoxicating hemp products may now be sold only as cannabis | In effectUnder-21 ban from 12 Jun 2026 · cannabis rules from 12 Nov 2026 | Up to $500, $750, then $1,000 · Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Sports wagering and fantasy contests230 ILCS 45/25-25 · 45/25-120.4 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed sports wagering and fantasy contest operators | 21+ | Accept wagers only from people 21 or older; verify identity | In effectIn effect · fantasy rules since 16 Jun 2026 | License action · Illinois Gaming Board |
| Video gaming terminals230 ILCS 40/58 (opens in a new tab) | Bars, truck stops and clubs with video gaming | 21+ | Keep terminals in an area restricted to people over 21 | In effectIn effect | License action · Illinois Gaming Board |
| Lottery tickets20 ILCS 1605/15 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery retailers | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. Age limit only | In effectIn effect | Not checked |
| Firearms | |||||
| Firearms and the FOID card430 ILCS 65/3 · 65/4 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone transferring a firearm or ammunition | 21+ or consent | See a valid FOID card or concealed carry license before any transfer | In effectIn effect | Criminal penalties · Illinois State Police |
| Other products | |||||
| Kratom720 ILCS 642/5 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling kratom | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. Age limit only | In effectIn effect | Class B misdemeanor, at least $500 |
| Social media | |||||
| Children's Online Social Media Safety ActPublic Act 104-664 (HB 5511) (opens in a new tab) | Device makers, operating systems, app stores and social platforms | Under 18 | Device age signal at setup; default protections for minors | Takes effect laterSigned 31 Jul 2026 · takes effect 1 Jan 2028 | Up to $50,000 per violation · Attorney General |
| Scanning IDs | |||||
| Limits on using ID data625 ILCS 5/6-117.1 · 15 ILCS 335/14D (opens in a new tab) | Any business that reads a license or state ID | Any age | Use ID data only for the transaction; keep it no longer than strictly necessary | In effectStorage limit since 7 Aug 2026 | Private lawsuit: actual damages, at least $250 per violation, plus fees |
| Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)740 ILCS 14 (opens in a new tab) | Private businesses collecting face, fingerprint or other biometric data | Any age | Written notice and a written release before a face match | In effectIn effect · amended 2 Aug 2024Court: Illinois Supreme Court, 17 Feb 2023, Cothron v. White Castle: a claim accrues with each scan without consent. Narrowed by statute on 2 Aug 2024 | $1,000 per negligent violation, $5,000 if intentional or reckless · private lawsuits |
This page lists Illinois law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. Illinois has no age verification law for adult websites: SB 3945 stalled in May 2026. Its only AI chatbot law, the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, bars AI therapy but sets no age check.
Timeline
- 1 Jul 2028Upcoming · Social mediaPlatforms must request device age signals; an 8-year license option must be offered
- 1 Jan 2028Upcoming · App storesChildren's Online Social Media Safety Act takes effect: device age entry at setup
- 1 Jul 2027Upcoming · LicenseLicenses may show an intellectual disability or autism designation on request
- 12 Nov 2026Effective · CannabisIntoxicating hemp products move under cannabis law; the Industrial Hemp Act is repealed
- 7 Aug 2026Effective · Scanning IDsData read from licenses, IDs and mobile IDs may be kept only as long as strictly necessary
- 12 Jun 2026Effective · CannabisSale of intoxicating hemp to anyone under 21 banned; dispensary drive-through allowed
- 22 May 2026Bill failed · Adult contentAdult website age bill SB 3945 and chatbot bill SB 3368 stall in the Senate
- 19 Nov 2025Effective · Digital IDIllinois mobile license and ID launch in Apple Wallet, with a free business verifier app
- 1 Jan 2025Effective · Tobacco and vaporLimits on shipping e-cigarettes ordered online; mobile ID law takes effect
- 1 Jul 2024Effective · LicenseStandard Federal Limits Apply license replaces the temporary visitor's license
- Apr 2019New design · LicenseREAL ID gold star cards offered at all facilities (date from news reports)
- Jul 2016New design · LicenseCurrent design and mailed central issuance in use at all facilities
Questions
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Match the card to its design. Since 2016 the card has a large photo with a small ghost photo at the lower right, a Lincoln portrait and the state seal behind the text, and an Illinois shape in tiny holes that shows when held up to the light.
Then check the dates and scan the 2D barcode on the back to compare with the front. A match does not prove the card is genuine.
Yes. It is a valid Illinois license or ID that is not REAL ID. It cannot be used to board a domestic flight, but the alcohol law accepts any government-issued document showing age and identity.
Since 1 Jul 2024 the same card is issued to residents who cannot show lawful status. An older TVDL with a purple band is different: it is not valid for identification.
You may, but you do not have to. The ILCC says the mobile ID must be verified with the free ILSOS Mobile ID Check app or an ISO 18013-5 reader. Looking at the phone screen is not enough.
You may not refuse a physical card or require the mobile ID, and you may not take the customer's phone. As of this check it works only in Apple Wallet.
The secure paper license given at a facility is valid for 90 days while the card is mailed. The agency said in 2016 that it serves as proof of identification. TSA will not accept it.
Some temporary licenses are printed NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION, so read the paper. No ILCC guidance on paper licenses was found.
You can scan it, but since 7 Aug 2026 you may keep the data only as long as strictly necessary for the transaction, and never sell it or use it for marketing. Each misuse can cost $250 or more in a lawsuit.
Cannabis dispensaries must scan every ID. If you match a selfie to the ID photo, BIPA requires written notice and a written release first.
It means the card was issued before the holder turned 21. Illinois cards issued under 21 expire 3 months after the 21st birthday, so an upright card can be valid for a short time after.
Read the date of birth and the UNDER 21 UNTIL date on the red bar.
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