A state ID is an official identification card issued by a state government where you are living, typically through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A state ID does not grant driving privileges but serves as a recognized form of identification.

To get a state ID in Illinois, you will need to visit an Illinois DMV facility and provide original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, Illinois residency, and signature. You will need at least one document for identity and signature, and two documents for residency. To find your local DMV, please follow this link.

Illinois residents who are unhoused are also eligible for a free replacement state ID. In order to get an ID, you will need to show proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, signature, and a signed Homeless Status Certification form.

The Real ID is an updated form of driver's license or state identification card that can be utilized for domestic travel. It differs from a regular state ID or driver's license by having a golden star at the right-hand corner. To learn more about how to get a Real ID please visit the IL Secretary of State website.

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. government that is used to identify U.S. citizens.

If you were born in the U.S., you should be recognized as a U.S. citizen and have a social security number. If you need a replacement card, you can call the Social Security Office at +1 800-772-1213 or visit their website for more information using this link.

If you were born outside of the U.S., you may need to apply for a social security number. Please visit the Social Security Office's page on apply for a social security number through this link.

To legally obtain a certified copy of your own birth certificate if of legal age and/or the birth certificate of your child (your name must appear on the child's birth certificate).

You will need to provide a valid form of ID in order to apply for a birth certificate, valid forms of ID can be found here.

You can either mail in the birth certificate application, found here, with a copy of your ID to IDPH Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.

Alternatively, you can go in person to your local City Clerks office of the city of your birth and learn ways to access your birth certificate that way. To locate your City Clerks office follow this link.

You may legally obtain a certified copy of your own birth certificate if of legal age and/or the birth certificate of your child (your name must appear on the child's birth certificate).

You will need to provide a valid form of ID in order to apply for a birth certificate, valid forms of ID can be found here.

You can get your birth certificate through ordering online, ordering by phone, ordering by mail, going to a local currency exchange, going in person to your local City Clerk's office. 

A free birth record is available to persons born in Cook County who are verified as either: homeless, residents of shelters for victims of domestic abuse/violence, and/or formerly incarcerated (released in the last 90 days) or soon to be released inmates and detainees from IDOC or Cook County Jail. In order to verify, you will need to fill out this form.

To learn more, please visit the Chicago City Clerks website.

To legally obtain a certified copy of your own birth certificate if of legal age and/or the birth certificate of your child (your name must appear on the child's birth certificate).

You will need to provide a valid form of ID in order to apply for a birth certificate, valid forms of ID can be found here.

First, find the state you are requesting the birth certificate from then start the application process here.

The CityKey ID is a form of government-issued ID card available to Chicago residents. You can also use it as a Chicago Public Library card, a CTA Ventra card and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card. 

In order to apply for this form on ID you will need a document which includes one form of documentation that shows a photograph of yourself, one form of document that includes your date of birth, AND one document that proves your residency in the City of Chicago. 

To learn more and apply for this a CityKey ID please go to the Chicago City Clerks website.

People who review your housing application may ask you to provide a list your recent housing history including addresses, property managers contact information, amount of rent paid each month, and your reason for leaving.

If you do not have housing history/references due to living in a care facility, because you recently left jail or prison, or because you are experiencing homelessness and this was related to your disability you can request a reasonable accommodation. As an example, a person may need to ask the property management company not to require a housing reference because, due to their disability, they have been experiencing homelessness and do not have a landlord reference. 

You can request a reasonable accommodation if you need a change in a policy, program, or the setting if the change is related to your disability. Click here to learn more.

Below are links to sample letter that you can customize to your needs: 

Asking for an accommodation about an eviction

Asking for an accommodation about justice system related issues

Asking for an accommodation for more time in processes

Asking for an accommodation regarding credit history