How to get an illinois secretary of state identification number

IL-PINs are only assigned to taxpayers who have previously filed an income tax return with the state of Illinois. You may obtain the IL-PIN assigned to you by 

• using our IL-PIN inquiry in MyTax Illinois, or
• calling our toll-free number at 1 800-732-8866 and selecting "individual income tax" and "PIN" and following the prompts. 

Be sure to have your Illinois driver's license/state ID number or prior year adjusted gross income available before you make your inquiry. 

If you do not have an 8-digit IL-PIN (you are a first-time filer in Illinois), you may not file your return electronically through MyTax Illinois. However, if you have a valid driver's license, or state ID card issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, you may be able to use a tax preparer or tax software to file your return electronically. Otherwise, you must file a paper Form IL-1040.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Both the federal government and the State of Illinois issue ID numbers.

A business must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if it is a:

• Partnership,
• Corporation,
• LLC, or
• Sole proprietorship with employees from whom taxes are withheld.

Some sole proprietorships may want to get an EIN, even if they aren't required to, so they don't have to give out their Social Security number to third parties.

This is done by filing IRS Form SS-4 or by calling the IRS at (800) 829-4933. If you call, it is best to have a blank copy of Form SS-4 in front of you. The form can be downloaded from the IRS website.

The IRS has an online application so that you can fill out a questionnaire and get your EIN instantly once you submit it. Use caution elsewhere. Please be aware that there are a lot of internet businesses with websites that look like they are the IRS in an effort to get you to input your information and pay them. Read any other website carefully to make sure it is the actual IRS and not someone else.

Your business needs to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue if you conduct business in Illinois or with Illinois customers. Your business must obtain an Illinois Business Tax number from the Illinois Department of Revenue.

There are several ways to register:

• Online through their website,
• Mail in the appropriate form (and applicable schedule forms) available for printing off their website,
• Visit one their offices, or
• Call (800) 356-6302.

You are supposed to register your business before you:

• Make any purchases or sales, or
• Hire any employee.

When you register the business, ask if the company is eligible for a resale number that allows it to purchase goods and services for resale without paying “sales and use” taxes. To ask this and other questions, you may call them at (217) 785-3707.

Last full review by a subject matter expert

July 19, 2021

Driver's License/Identification Card Preregistration Driver Services

You may Preregister prior to visiting a Secretary of State facility to renew your Illinois Driver's License or Identification card, or to obtain a corrected driver's license or identification card. A corrected driver's license or identification card transaction includes:

• Changing your name, address, date of birth, gender or Social Security Number
• Changing your height, weight, eye or hair color
• Obtaining a first time CDL
• Changing the classification of your driver's license or adding a motorcycle classification
• Adding or removing a restriction or endorsement

To use the preregistration process:

• You must currently have an Illinois driver's license and/or identification card;
• You are going to visit a Secretary of State facility to renew or correct an Illinois driver's license or identification card;
• Your Illinois driver's license or Identification Card is not expired or has been expired for less than 1 year.
• Your Illinois driver's license or identification card is not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified.

You may not use the preregistration process prior to visiting a Secretary of State facility if you are:

• Transferring your out of state/country license or identification card for an Illinois driver's license or identification card.
• Obtaining an Illinois driver's license or Identification card for the first time.
• Renewing or correcting a Temporary Visitor Driver's License.
• If you have recently visited a Secretary of State facility and have not received your hard card in the mail.
• Obtaining a duplicate Illinois driver's license or identification card. Apply for a duplicate driver's license or ID Card online

This preregistration process does not guarantee the issuance of an Illinois driver's license or identification card unless you successfully complete all applicable tests and verification processes.

Can I get an IL state ID online?

What is IL state identification number?

How do I register my business with the Illinois Secretary of State?

What documents can I use to get an Illinois state ID?