IL

Does Illinois Require Proof of Citizenship to Vote? No (2026)

No. Illinois does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Below: which documents count, Illinois voter ID rules, registration deadlines, and how to order a Illinois birth certificate.

No proof-of-citizenship requirementNo ID requiredChecked Sep 10, 2026 · re-check due
Interactive map of the United States showing proof-of-citizenship law status by state
Active Proof-of-Citizenship Law
Law on Books (Not Enforced)
No Requirement

Does Illinois require proof of citizenship to vote?

No. Illinois does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Voter ID Requirement
No standard voter-ID requirement at polls in Illinois guidance; in-person voter registration requires identification documents
Online Registration
Available
Registration Deadline
Regular registration closes 28 days before an election; grace-period registration and voting begin 27 days before the election and continue through Election Day
Proof of Citizenship Law
No proof-of-citizenship requirement
Status detailsNo active statewide documentary proof-of-citizenship voter-registration requirement as of September 2026.

What to do now in Illinois

  1. 1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
  2. 2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
  3. 3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
  4. 4Verify your voter registration is current
  5. 5Keep originals safe — under the SAVE Act, photocopies would not be accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in Illinois?

No. Illinois does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. However, if the federal SAVE Act passes, all states would be required to collect proof of citizenship for voter registration. Getting your documents in order now is recommended.

How much does a birth certificate cost in Illinois?

A certified birth certificate in Illinois costs $15 for first copy and $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Processing times vary — check the state vital records office for current turnaround. Use the official Illinois vital records office for current details: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records/birth-records.html. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Illinois?

Illinois's voter ID rules: No standard voter-ID requirement at polls in Illinois guidance; in-person voter registration requires identification documents. Check with your local election office or visit the Illinois Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. Registration deadline: Regular registration closes 28 days before an election; grace-period registration and voting begin 27 days before the election and continue through Election Day.