The CityKey ID is a FREE optional, valid government-issued identification offered to all Chicago residents that will unlock many of the great things our city has to offer.

Benefits include:

• Accepted as official identification at city buildings and many banks
• Can serve as a proof of residency and photo identification
• Can be used as a Ventra transit card and Chicago Public Library card
• Discounts at museums, local businesses, and services
• Discounts on over 60,000 with savings of up to 80% on both name brands and generic prescriptions

Eligibility:

• Any Chicago resident can apply, regardless of immigration status, age, income, health, or insurance
• No registration or pre-qualification is needed 

What to bring:

• Applying for your CityKey visit this website for details on what to do when applying and what documents to bring. Document guide
• Proof of identity (passport, national ID, school ID, birth certificate)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, letter from a shelter or nonprofit) 

If you don’t have standard documents, staff will help you find alternative proofs. 

If you’ve lost important documents, help is available—regardless of your immigration status. Several trusted organizations can assist you in recovering vital records like IDs, immigration papers, and more.

Common documents replaced:

• Passports (via your home country’s consulate)
• Birth certificates (via your country’s embassy or consulate)
• School and medical records Immigration documents

Helpful organizations:

• National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
• Catholic Charities
• Heartland Alliance

Proof of Address Without a Lease

You can use a letter verifying your residency from:

• A social service agency
• A faith-based or community organization
• A landlord or roommate

These letters can help with:

• CityKey ID
• School enrollment
• Library card 
• Bank account setup 

The Chicago Public Library offers free library cards to all residents.

A CityKey or other document showing your name and address is sufficient.

Library card benefits:

• Free internet and computer access
• Homework help and ESL classes
• Digital media and citizenship preparation

If you’re interested in accessing books, online resources, and community programs, consider applying for a free Chicago Public Library card.

Learn more about how to get your card here: chipublib.org/get-a-library-card.

Please note: Online registration may require the collection of personal information to verify identity and eligibility. Be sure to review the privacy policies of each platform or service before submitting your data.

Illinois offers a standard State ID and Driver’s License through the Secretary of State’s Office.

Requirements for driver's license:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Proof of identity and proof of residence in Illinois for over a year or simply a temporary visa
• Pass a vision, written, and driving exam

To get your driver's license in the state of Illinois you need to complete the following steps: 

1. Visit a Secretary of State facility and show required documentation
2. Surrender all valid out of state licenses
3. Pay the appropriate fee 

When all steps have been completed, you will receive a temporary 90 day license which will serve as the driver’s license for driving purposes and proof of identification until the permanent DL arrives in the mail. 

You may be eligible if:

• You can provide proof of identity and residency
• You pass written, vision, and driving tests 

Visit the Illinois DMV site to learn more or book an appointment.