Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Granting Streamlined Access to ID Cards for the Formerly Incarcerated

CHICAGO—Today Governor JB Pritzker signed SB2803, an amendment to the Illinois Identification Card Act designed to simplify the process of obtaining an ID for those leaving Department of Corrections (DOC) custody. The law simplifies the process for the Secretary of State (SOS) to issue a standard Illinois ID card to a person committed to the DOC, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility located in Illinois, or a county jail before their release, better enabling them to reenter post-correctional life and avoid recidivism.

“Lack of identification is an all-too-common barrier for individuals exiting the criminal justice system to reenter the world,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These are individuals who have served their time and paid their debt to society. Rather than closing them off to the rest of the world, this legislation is about empowering them to make their own choices about their future.”

"My focus since my first visit to an Illinois detention center in 2019 has been ensuring incarcerated individuals are treated with respect and dignity," said First Lady MK Pritzker. "I'm so proud of this work and grateful to all the partners whose tireless work made this possible, particularly former Secretary of State Jesse White."

"Addressing the social determinants of crime – access to housing, food, employment, and healthcare – is essential for reducing recidivism," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By ensuring that every person re-entering their community does so with a State ID in hand, this legislation dissolves some of the most obstructive barriers. We are contributing to safer and more resilient communities by equipping individuals with the key they need to start a new chapter.”

Under the amended Act, incarcerated individuals who did not previously have an Illinois Identification Card will be able to submit the required information to the SOS via a verification form in a to be established secure electronic transfer method between the correctional facilities and SOS. This will expedite the process of securing identification and allow individuals to have identification ready upon release from a facility, allowing them to open a bank account, apply for housing, and find employment.

Currently, a common barrier to accessing identification is often the time and bureaucracy associated with obtaining and submitting a replacement social security card as part of the ID application process. This legislation eliminates the requirement for a physical social security card and allows an incarcerated individual to provide a card number to match the one on file. Under this process, a replacement social security card can also be obtained while an individual is still in custody, allowing them to move through the ID acquisition process more efficiently and have identification in place when leaving custody.

Many incarcerated individuals may have had identification expire while in custody or had previously lacked adequate identification before entering custody. Identification is also required to access social services or obtain healthcare. Black, Hispanic, and low-income individuals are less likely to have a government-issued photo ID, placing a disproportionate burden to accessing state resources on these communities.

Governor Pritzker, with the assistance of former Secretary of State Jesse White and current Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, has been a major advocate for the rights of individuals leaving incarceration since his first term. With advocacy from First Lady MK Pritzker, the SOS and the DOC launched a pilot program in 2020 to offer state IDs for returning residents. In 2019, Governor Pritzker also signed legislation eliminating medical copays for incarcerated Illinoisans, and in 2021 the Governor signed legislation creating a path for compassionate release of medically incapacitated individuals.

“Access to opportunities and basic needs is critical for successful re-entry following incarceration,” Secretary Giannoulias said. “It starts with having a valid ID, which is necessary to secure everything from employment to housing, healthcare and a bank account. This law reduces recidivism by providing stability and accessibility for those seeking to overcome the challenges presented by this transition and setting them up for success.”

"For returning citizens, having proper ID is a first step toward employment, housing, and true rehabilitation," said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). "Expanding eligibility rules for free state IDs to include those exiting federal penitentiaries will ensure that Illinois continues to be a leader in creating a more free and fair justice system for all." 

“A valid ID is essential for securing housing, employment and medical care. There’s no reason it should be so challenging for formerly incarcerated individuals to acquire one,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “This law represents a critical step forward in removing barriers to successful reentry for individuals returning to our communities.”

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