Illinois Form DSD A 230 Homeless Status Certification

Illinois Form DSD A 230 Homeless Status Certification – Individuals experiencing homelessness in Illinois can obtain a free standard State of Illinois Identification Card by using Form DSD A 230, the Homeless Status Certification. Issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, this official form verifies homeless status, serves as proof of residency, and waives the usual ID card fee. The form must be completed, signed by both the applicant and an authorized representative, and notarized before submission at a Secretary of State facility.

This guide explains the purpose of Form DSD A 230, who can sign it, how to complete it correctly, required supporting documents, and the application process. All information is based on current Illinois Secretary of State publications, administrative rules, and trusted Illinois legal aid resources.

What Is Form DSD A 230?

Form DSD A 230 is the official Illinois Secretary of State Homeless Status Certification. It allows a qualified agency representative or attorney to affirm that an applicant is a homeless individual as defined under federal law (the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act). When properly completed and submitted within 90 days of notarization, the form entitles the applicant to a free standard Illinois State ID Card.

Important limitations: The form does not prove the applicant’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number. Separate original documents from the Illinois Secretary of State’s approved identification list are still required. The form also does not waive fees for a driver’s license—only for a standard identification card.

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Download Illinois Form DSD A 230 (PDF)

Who Can Complete and Sign Form DSD A 230?

Under Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1030.12, the Homeless Status Certification may be completed and signed by one of the following authorized individuals:

  • A representative of a homeless service agency that receives federal, State, county, or municipal funding, or that is sanctioned by a local continuum of care
  • An attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois
  • A public school homeless liaison or school social worker
  • A human services provider funded by the State of Illinois to serve homeless or runaway youth, individuals with mental illness, or individuals with addictions
  • A representative of a religious organization that offers services to the homeless

The applicant must also sign the form. Both signatures must be executed in front of a notary public. Illinois law prohibits notaries from charging any fee for notarizing a Secretary of State Homeless Status Certification form.

Key Requirements and Time Limits

Several strict rules apply:

  • The completed and notarized form must be presented at the time of application and cannot be older than 90 days from the notarization date.
  • The Illinois State ID Card will be mailed to the agency address listed on the form.
  • The applicant must pick up the permanent ID from the agency within 60 days of the agency’s receipt. If not claimed, the agency must return the card to the Secretary of State marked “Return to Sender.”
  • Making a false statement on the form is punishable by law.

How to Complete Form DSD A 230 Step by Step?

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Download the official form from the Illinois Secretary of State website using the link above.
  2. Fill in the applicant’s full legal name (first, middle, last) and date of birth.
  3. The applicant signs and dates the statement affirming homeless status and understanding that the ID will be mailed to the agency.
  4. The authorized representative completes the agency information: agency name, full address, phone number, and either the agency’s Federal Tax ID number or the attorney’s Illinois registration number.
  5. The representative signs and dates the certification under penalty of perjury, accepting responsibility for receiving and securely holding the ID card.
  6. Both the applicant and representative appear before a notary public. The notary completes the acknowledgment section and affixes the official stamp. No fee may be charged for this notarization.

Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Documents Needed With the Homeless Status Certification

To receive a free Illinois State ID Card, the applicant must still present original documents proving:

  • Identity and written signature (Group A)
  • Date of birth (Group B)
  • Social Security number (Group C)

The Homeless Status Certification satisfies the residency (Group D) requirement. Common acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, U.S. passport, or other items listed on the official Illinois Secretary of State Acceptable Identification Documents chart. Photocopies are not accepted.

For REAL ID-compliant cards, additional documentation (including proof of lawful status) is required, and the Homeless Status Certification still covers residency.

How to Apply for a Free Illinois State ID Card?

Once Form DSD A 230 is completed and notarized:

  1. Gather your original identity, birth date, and Social Security documents.
  2. Locate the nearest Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility using the official facility finder on ilsos.gov.
  3. Present the notarized Form DSD A 230 along with your other required documents.
  4. A temporary ID is usually issued the same day. The permanent card is mailed to the agency address within approximately three weeks.

No application fee is charged when a valid Homeless Status Certification is submitted.

Additional Resources for Illinois Residents

Helpful official and nonprofit resources include:

If you need assistance locating a homeless service provider, school liaison, or attorney who can complete Form DSD A 230, contact local continuum of care organizations or legal aid services in your county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Form DSD A 230 work for a driver’s license?
No. The fee waiver applies only to a standard Illinois State Identification Card, not to a driver’s license.

Can the form be used more than once?
A new form must be completed and notarized for each application or renewal if the applicant still lacks a permanent address. The form is valid for only 90 days from the notarization date.

What if the agency address changes?
A new Form DSD A 230 with the updated agency address is required.

Is notarization free?
Yes. Illinois law specifically prohibits notaries from charging a fee for any notarial act related to the Illinois Secretary of State Homeless Status Certification form.

Conclusion

Form DSD A 230 provides a critical pathway for people experiencing homelessness in Illinois to obtain free government-issued identification. By working with an authorized service provider or attorney, completing the form accurately, having it notarized, and presenting the required supporting documents, eligible individuals can receive a standard Illinois State ID Card at no cost. Always download the most current version of the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website and verify requirements at the time of application, as rules may be updated.

For the official form and the latest guidance, visit the Illinois Secretary of State publications page or download Form DSD A 230 here: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a230.pdf.

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