Illinois Form DSD A 210 Affidavit of Identity Guide – If you are a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult in Illinois helping a minor obtain a state identification card, you may need Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 210 — Affidavit of Identity. This official form allows an adult to complete the application process on behalf of a minor who cannot do so independently. It is issued by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, and is required only for establishing the adult’s relationship to the minor for state ID card purposes.
This guide covers what the form is, when it is needed, how to complete it correctly, required identification documents, and where to submit it. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources to help U.S. residents, particularly Illinois families, navigate the process accurately.
What Is Form DSD A 210 — Affidavit of Identity?
Form DSD A 210 is an official affidavit used exclusively when a minor cannot independently complete the application for an Illinois state ID card. The parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult must complete this form to verify their relationship to the minor and their legal capacity to act on the minor’s behalf.
According to the official form language from the Illinois Secretary of State:
- The affidavit establishes and verifies the relationship to the minor.
- It may not be used for any other purpose.
- The adult must still provide acceptable identification documents for the minor as required by the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
The form includes an affirmation under penalties of perjury that all information is true and that no fictitious documents have been presented. It also records the adult’s identity documents presented and requires signature by a Secretary of State Driver Services employee.
Download the official form here: Illinois Form DSD A 210 — Affidavit of Identity (PDF).
A Spanish-language version (Form DSD A 209) is also available from the Illinois Secretary of State for Spanish-speaking applicants.
Who Needs to Use Form DSD A 210?
This form is specifically for situations involving minors applying for an Illinois state ID card. Illinois has no minimum age for obtaining a state ID card, making it available to children of any age. However, when a minor cannot complete the application process independently (due to age or other reasons), a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult must use Form DSD A 210.
Typical scenarios include:
- Young children applying for their first state ID card.
- Minors who require adult assistance during the in-person application at a Driver Services facility.
- Cases where the adult is acting on the minor’s behalf to present required documents and complete the process.
Note that this form is not used for driver’s license applications for teens under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Separate parental consent requirements apply for driver’s licenses and permits.
Key Requirements for Completing Form DSD A 210
The Illinois Secretary of State requires the following steps for the parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult:
- Accompany the minor to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility (also known as a DMV).
- Complete the Affidavit of Identity in the presence of a Secretary of State Driver Services employee.
- Present proof of identity for yourself by showing a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card, or by meeting the proof of identity requirements on the Acceptable Identification Chart.
- Sign the form only in the presence of a Secretary of State employee. The form cannot be signed in advance or notarized privately.
The adult must also ensure that acceptable identification documents are provided for the minor according to the current Illinois Acceptable Identification Documents Chart (available on the official Illinois Secretary of State website). For first-time state ID applicants, this generally includes documents proving legal name/signature (Group A), date of birth (Group B), Social Security number or ineligibility (Group C), and Illinois residency (Group D). Requirements differ slightly for standard vs. REAL ID cards.
Important: The form must be completed and signed at the facility. Pre-filling some information is possible, but the signature and final completion occur with the SOS employee present.
How to Fill Out Form DSD A 210 Step by Step?
The form is straightforward. Here is a clear breakdown of the sections based on the official PDF:
- Affirmation section: Print your full name, then the minor’s full name, the minor’s date of birth, and the minor’s full residential address (street, apartment if applicable, city, IL, ZIP code).
- State that you have the legal capacity to act on behalf of the minor for the state ID card application.
- Swear or affirm under penalties of perjury that the information is true and no fictitious documents were presented.
- Signature and details: Sign as the parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult. Print your name, state your relationship to the applicant, provide your address, and list your Illinois driver’s license or state ID card number (if applicable).
- Date the form.
- The SOS employee will note the identity documents you presented (e.g., birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other) and sign the form, including the facility name/number and date.
Always use accurate, current information. Providing false information under the perjury statement can result in legal consequences.
Where to Submit Form DSD A 210 and Obtain a State ID?
Form DSD A 210 must be completed in person at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You cannot mail it or submit it online for this purpose.
To find a location near you:
- Use the official Illinois Secretary of State Facility Locator.
- Many facilities require appointments for driver’s license and ID card services. Check the facility details and schedule via the official appointment system on ilsos.gov.
- Bring the minor, all required original (not photocopied) identification documents for both the adult and the minor, payment for any applicable fees, and the Form DSD A 210 (printed or obtained at the facility if available).
Fees for a standard state ID card are generally lower for applicants under 18 (check the current fee schedule on the official website, as amounts can update). Certain applicants, such as youth in care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) ages 16–20, may qualify for a no-fee ID with proper documentation.
After verification and photo, a temporary ID is often issued on the spot, with the permanent card mailed later.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Application
- Review the latest Acceptable Identification Documents Chart (DSD X 173) before your visit, as document lists can be updated.
- Original documents are required; photocopies or digital images on phones are typically not accepted.
- If applying for a REAL ID-compliant state ID, additional or different documents (including proof of lawful status) are needed. Visit REALID.ilsos.gov for details.
- Arrive prepared with all documents organized to minimize wait times.
- For the most current information, always verify details directly on the official Illinois Secretary of State website at www.ilsos.gov, as policies and forms can be revised.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DSD A 210
Can I complete and notarize Form DSD A 210 ahead of time?
No. The form must be completed and signed in the presence of a Secretary of State Driver Services employee at a facility.
Is Form DSD A 210 used for driver’s licenses?
No. It is specifically for state ID cards for minors who cannot apply independently. Driver’s license applications for minors follow separate GDL parental consent rules.
Is there a fee for the form itself?
The form is free. Fees apply only to the state ID card issuance (if any).
Where can I get the official form?
Download it directly from the Illinois Secretary of State: DSD A 210 PDF. It is also listed on the official publications page.
What if the minor is in foster care or under DCFS?
Special no-fee provisions and documentation may apply for youth in care. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State or DCFS for guidance, and bring all required verification.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 210 — Affidavit of Identity is a simple but essential document that enables parents, legal guardians, and responsible adults to help minors obtain a state ID card when the minor cannot complete the process alone. By accompanying the minor to a Driver Services facility, presenting proper identification, and completing the form on-site under SOS supervision, families can efficiently secure this important form of identification.
Always rely on official sources for the latest requirements. Start by downloading the form and reviewing the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart on the Illinois Secretary of State website. With the right preparation, the process is straightforward and helps ensure Illinois residents of all ages have access to secure identification.
For the official form download and more Driver Services information, visit www.ilsos.gov.