You usually don’t need to bring anything other than yourself to vote in Illinois, unless you’re a first‑time voter or registering/updating your registration at the polling place.

Do I need an ID to vote in Illinois?

For most already‑registered voters:

  • You generally do not have to show ID to vote in person in Illinois.
  • The poll worker will look you up in the voter rolls and may ask you to confirm your name and address verbally.

When you do need to bring ID

You should bring ID/documents in these situations:

  1. You’re voting for the first time and registered by mail/online
    • If you didn’t give an Illinois driver’s license/state ID number when you registered, or only provided part of your Social Security number, you may have to show ID.
 * Plan to bring **two forms of ID** ; at least **one must show your current address**.
  1. You’re registering or changing your address on Election Day (“grace period” / same‑day registration)
    • You must show two documents with your name, and at least one must show your current address (for example, a lease plus a utility bill).

Examples of acceptable IDs/documents

You do not always need a photo ID; many non‑photo documents are accepted.

Some examples:

  • Government photo IDs: Illinois driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID.
  • School/work IDs: college, university, school, or work ID.
  • Address documents:
    • Lease, mortgage, or deed to your home.
* Utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet) from the last 30 days.

* Bank statement, pay stub, or pension statement.

* Medical or insurance bill.
  • Other IDs: Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid card; credit or debit card; union or professional membership card; public aid/LINK card; Illinois FOID card.

What else can I bring (and not bring) into the voting booth?

You can bring:

  • A printed cheat sheet with your choices, sample ballot, or notes to help you remember how you want to vote.

You cannot bring:

  • Campaign materials (signs, pamphlets) to display or hand out inside the polling place.
  • If you’re wearing candidate/party gear (hat, shirt, buttons), you can be asked to cover it while inside the polling place.

Simple checklist for you

Before you go, ask yourself:

  1. Am I already registered at my current address and have I voted in Illinois before?
    • If yes → you usually just bring yourself.
  2. Am I a first‑time voter, recently moved, or planning to register/update at the polling place?
    • If yes → bring two documents , with at least one showing your current address.

If you want to be extra safe, take:

  • One photo ID with your name and (if possible) current address, and
  • One document showing your current address (like a utility bill or bank statement).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.