WAG 03-01-01-c: Documentation of Identity

For persons age 16 and older, the documents listed below are acceptable.

State-issued ID or driver's license with photo or identifying features such as eye color, height etc.;
U.S. Military ID card or draft record;
Government ID from Federal, State, or local government with a photo or physical description of the person;
School photo ID card;
Military dependent's ID card;
Photos of individuals listed on the Illinois Department of Corrections website, if the information about the individual matches the information on the document provided to establish citizenship. If the information matches, place a screen print in the file. If there is a discrepancy, the website inquiry may not be used.

For children under age 16 who do not have any of the documents listed above, the following documents are acceptable:

School or daycare records. These may include:
- a report card that lists the child's name and the name of the school, or
- Form 541 Verification of School Attendance.
A written affidavit, Form HFS 3859 Statement of Identity, completed and signed by the parent or caretaker relative. An affidavit cannot be used to establish identity if an affidavit was used to establish citizenship.
The signature of a parent or legal guardian of a child under age 16 on an application that includes that child, or on Form 243 Request for Assistance for an Additional Family Member that includes the child, also serves as evidence of identity.

Consider the signature on the application as an original identity document even if the application form was faxed. If a child was under age 16 at the time the application was signed by the child's parent or legal guardian, identity for the child has been established.

If a child who is a U.S. citizen turns age 16 after identity has been established, no further documentation is required unless the child has a break in assistance.