Illinois Form DSD A 307: Free ID for Veterans Homes – Residents of Illinois veterans’ homes or hospitals can obtain a free standard Illinois State Identification Card by submitting Form DSD A 307. This official Illinois Secretary of State certification form confirms current residency and waives the usual ID card fee. The process is straightforward when the form is completed correctly and presented with other required identity documents.
What Is Illinois Form DSD A 307?
Form DSD A 307, officially titled “Individual Residing in Veteran’s Home/Hospital Certification Form,” is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. It allows an eligible resident of a state or federally operated veterans’ home or hospital to receive a no-fee standard Illinois State ID Card.
According to the form itself, the certification affirms that the named individual currently resides at the listed veterans’ home or hospital at the time the form is completed. The completed form must be presented at an Illinois Secretary of State facility no later than 90 days after the date it was signed.
Important limitations appear on the form: it does not establish proof of the individual’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number. Separate documentation from the Illinois Secretary of State’s approved list is still required.
You can download the official form here: Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 307 (PDF).
Who Qualifies for a Free Illinois State ID Card Using This Form?
Eligibility is limited to individuals currently residing in a veterans’ home or veterans’ hospital operated by the State of Illinois or the federal government. Illinois statute (15 ILCS 335/12) specifically lists “Individual living in Veterans Home or Hospital” as a category that pays no fee for a standard Illinois Identification Card.
Illinois currently operates five veterans’ homes through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
- Illinois Veterans’ Home at Anna
- Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago
- Illinois Veterans’ Home at LaSalle
- Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno
- Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy
Residents of these facilities (and eligible federal veterans hospitals) may use Form DSD A 307. The form is not intended for general veterans living in private residences or for those seeking the optional “VETERAN” designation on a driver’s license or ID card.
How to Complete Form DSD A 307?
The form is short and requires information from both the applicant and a representative of the veterans’ home or hospital.
Applicant section
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Signature and date under penalty of perjury affirming current residency
- Acknowledgment that the ID card will be mailed to the veterans’ home or hospital address listed on the form
Veterans’ home/hospital section
- Name of the facility
- Full mailing address (street, city, ZIP code)
- Telephone number including area code
- Printed name, signature, and date of the facility employee making the certification
The facility representative must also acknowledge responsibility for receiving the ID card by U.S. mail, holding it in a secure location, and delivering it to the resident. If the card cannot be delivered within 30 days of receipt, the facility must return it to the Illinois Secretary of State.
The form contains a section for official Secretary of State use only; applicants leave that portion blank.
Required Supporting Documents
Form DSD A 307 alone is not sufficient. Applicants must still provide original documents that prove:
- Legal name and signature
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (or proof of ineligibility)
- Illinois residency (the form helps with this element but does not replace other proofs if needed)
Acceptable documents are listed on the Illinois Secretary of State website under the groups for identity, date of birth, Social Security, and residency. Bring originals; photocopies are generally not accepted. Requirements can change, so verify the current list on the official Illinois Secretary of State website before visiting a facility.
Where and How to Submit the Form?
Present the completed Form DSD A 307 in person at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility when applying for the State ID Card. The form must be no more than 90 days old on the date of application.
The ID card is mailed to the veterans’ home or hospital address shown on the form. Facility staff are responsible for secure receipt and delivery to the resident.
For facility locations and hours, use the official facility finder on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Appointments may be available or required at some locations; check current procedures before traveling.
Benefits of the No-Fee State ID Card
A standard Illinois State ID Card serves as official government-issued photo identification. It can be used for banking, government benefits, travel within the United States (subject to REAL ID rules if applicable), and other everyday identification needs.
Because the fee is waived for qualifying residents of veterans’ homes or hospitals, the process removes a potential financial barrier for those already living in state or federal care facilities. The card is valid for the standard period applicable to Illinois State ID Cards (typically linked to the holder’s birthday and age category).
Additional Resources for Illinois Veterans
Veterans and their families may also qualify for other Illinois benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Secretary of State, including:
- “VETERAN” designation on driver’s licenses or ID cards (separate process requiring proof of honorable service)
- Disabled veteran license plates and parking placards
- Property tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans
- Information on Illinois Veterans’ Homes admissions and services
Official information is available on the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs website and the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Form DSD A 307 work for a driver’s license?
No. The form specifically entitles the applicant to a no-fee standard Illinois State ID Card. Driver’s license fees and requirements are separate.
Can a family member or power of attorney complete the form?
The applicant must sign the residency affirmation under penalty of perjury. A facility representative must complete the certification section. Consult the facility administrator for any special circumstances involving legal representatives.
What if the ID card is not delivered?
The veterans’ home or hospital is responsible for returning undeliverable cards to the Secretary of State within 30 days of receipt. Contact the facility first, then the Secretary of State if needed.
Is the form still current?
The official form carries an October 2017 revision date and remains the current version available from the Illinois Secretary of State as of the most recent publications. Always download the latest PDF from the official site.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Staff at the veterans’ home or hospital where the individual resides can assist with the certification portion. For questions about the ID application process, contact an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility or visit the official website.
Conclusion
Illinois Form DSD A 307 provides a clear, no-cost path for residents of veterans’ homes and hospitals to obtain a standard State ID Card. By confirming residency through this official certification and presenting it with required identity documents within 90 days, eligible individuals can receive the card without paying the usual fee. Download the form from the Illinois Secretary of State, complete it carefully with facility staff, and visit a Driver Services facility to apply.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official sources: