Illinois Form DSD A 396 ID Card Verification Guide – Obtaining a valid state identification card is essential for everyday activities such as securing employment, opening a bank account, renting housing, or accessing government services. For individuals preparing for release from Illinois correctional facilities, the process has been streamlined through official state forms. One key document is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 396 — Identification Card Verification Form.
This form, issued by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State (Driver Services Department), supports the issuance of a no-fee Illinois Identification Card to eligible applicants upon release from custody. It is designed for use by corrections officials and helps returning residents reintegrate more smoothly into their communities across the United States, with a primary focus on Illinois residents.
Official download link for the current form: Download Illinois Form DSD A 396 (PDF).
What Is Illinois Form DSD A 396?
Form DSD A 396 is the official Identification Card Verification Form used by the Illinois Secretary of State. Corrections officials complete this document and electronically transmit it to the Secretary of State’s office. The purpose is to facilitate the issuance of a standard Illinois Identification Card that the correctional facility provides to the applicant upon release from custody.
According to the form itself (current version noted as March 2026 or earlier printings), it certifies key details about the applicant, including release information, custodial identification number, date of birth, and Social Security number (if available). The form also includes questions the applicant must answer regarding any suspended, revoked, canceled, or refused driver’s license or ID privileges, as well as whether they currently hold a valid license or ID in Illinois or another state.
Related Illinois law under the Illinois Identification Card Act (15 ILCS 335) and administrative rules supports no-cost ID cards for eligible individuals released from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), federal facilities located in Illinois, or county jails/departments of corrections.
Who Needs Form DSD A 396?
This form primarily applies to individuals in the custody of Illinois correctional facilities who are preparing for release and wish to receive a state ID card. Eligibility generally covers:
- Persons previously holding an Illinois driver’s license or identification card
- First-time applicants without prior Illinois records (additional documentation such as a certified birth certificate may be required)
- Individuals released on parole, mandatory supervised release, aftercare release, final discharge, or pardon
The form helps verify identity and residency details so the Secretary of State can issue the card without requiring the individual to visit a Driver Services facility immediately after release in many cases. For those who do not receive a full standard ID before release, a related form (such as DSD A 306) may allow application for a limited-term 90-day ID card within 30 days of release.
U.S. residents outside Illinois should note that this process is specific to Illinois state ID cards. Other states maintain their own reentry identification programs.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD A 396?
The form must be completed by a corrections official at the facility. Key sections typically include:
- Certification that the named individual will be released to a specific address
- Name of the correctional facility and its location
- Projected or actual release date
- Applicant’s custodial identification number
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Signature of the corrections official, facility stamp, printed name, and daytime telephone number
- Applicant’s yes/no answers to questions about license/ID status and current holdings
- Notices regarding sex offender registration requirements and Selective Service registration for males ages 18–25
- Applicant’s signature under penalty of perjury, acknowledging mandatory Social Security number disclosure and verification
After completion, the corrections facility electronically transmits the form (along with a photograph taken at the facility and any required supporting documents) to the Illinois Secretary of State using a secure method. The Secretary of State verifies the information, including Social Security number matching with the Social Security Administration when applicable. Upon approval, the ID card is issued and sent to the facility for delivery to the individual at release.
Applicants who previously held Illinois credentials may have an easier path if records match. Those without prior records often need a certified birth certificate as additional proof.
Benefits of Using Form DSD A 396 for Returning Residents
Having a valid Illinois Identification Card upon release significantly reduces barriers to successful reentry. Key advantages include:
- No fee for the standard ID card issued through this process
- Streamlined verification that avoids immediate post-release visits to a DMV in many cases
- Support for employment, housing applications, banking, and access to benefits
- Compliance with Illinois laws promoting smoother transitions for individuals leaving correctional facilities
Recent legislative updates have expanded eligibility to include more county jails and federal facilities located in Illinois, broadening access for a larger group of returning residents.
For general information on Illinois driver’s licenses and state ID cards, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License and State ID Card page.
Related Forms and Additional Requirements
Depending on individual circumstances, other documents may be involved:
- Form DSD A 306 — Verification Form to Apply for an Identification Card Upon Release from a Correctional Facility (used when applying at a DMV within 30 days of release for a temporary 90-day card)
- Certified birth certificate (especially for first-time applicants without prior Illinois records)
- Photograph taken by the correctional facility
- Proof of residency upon discharge
Applicants should also be prepared for standard questions about any suspensions or existing credentials. A letter of clearance may be required in certain cases of prior suspensions or revocations.
For the full list of publications and forms, check the official Illinois Secretary of State Publications and Forms List.
Where to Find Official Information and Support?
Always rely on official Illinois government sources for the most current version of Form DSD A 396 and related guidance. Forms can change, and only the latest PDF from the Secretary of State should be used.
Primary resources include:
- Official form download: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a396.pdf
- Illinois Secretary of State main website: ilsos.gov
- Driver Services information pages for ID cards and special programs for released individuals
Facility staff typically guide applicants through the process as part of reentry planning. Individuals with questions after release can contact a local Secretary of State Driver Services facility or call official state numbers listed on ilsos.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DSD A 396
Is the ID card free?
Yes, standard Illinois Identification Cards issued through this correctional facility process are provided at no cost to eligible applicants.
Can the form be used for a REAL ID?
This process primarily supports standard Illinois ID cards. REAL ID-compliant credentials have separate federal documentation requirements.
What if I am released without the card?
You may be given a related verification form (such as DSD A 306) and can apply at a Driver Services facility within 30 days of release for a limited-term ID.
Does this apply only to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities?
No. Eligibility has been expanded to include certain county jails, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and federal facilities located in Illinois.
This guide is intended for informational purposes for U.S. audiences seeking accurate details on Illinois Form DSD A 396. Requirements can be updated by the state; always verify with official sources before relying on any form or process.
For the most reliable and current information, download the official form and consult the Illinois Secretary of State website directly.