PKI FAQ

By establishing a Digital ID authorized by the State of Illinois, you gain entry to various systems within the state government. This ID empowers you to digitally sign transactions with legal validity, thereby optimizing your online interactions for government-related activities with the State of Illinois. Elevate your internet-based engagements for seamless government business transactions through the utilization of this digital identification.

The Digital Signature/PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) offered by the State of Illinois establishes a comprehensive infrastructure for electronic government services across the enterprise. Utilizing public key cryptography and digital signatures, complemented by certificate management software, this system is integrated into software applications. This integration allows for user authentication, safeguards data privacy and integrity, and creates audit trails. The goal is to provide electronic transactions with the same or even superior levels of assurance compared to traditional paper-based transactions.

Due to the legal implications, particularly the signing capability associated with a Digital ID, it is crucial to verify the true identity of the individual applying for the ID. To achieve this, a specific set of personal information is required to accurately identify the citizen acquiring the Digital ID.

All information submitted during the Digital ID registration process is treated with utmost confidentiality. Your driver’s license number and shared secrets/answers serve the purpose of enabling password recovery in case of forgetfulness. It's important to note that personal information is never sold.

If you reside in another state, you can still acquire a State of Illinois Digital ID. Just click on the “Non-Illinois Resident Accept” button found at the bottom of the subscriber agreement page. Keep in mind that the out-of-state process may take a bit longer. As we are currently unable to verify identity through other states' driver’s license facilities, you'll need to complete a paper form, have it notarized, and then mail it to us. We strive to process these forms promptly and provide citizens with the necessary authorization codes and instructions for creating the ID.

If you are an Illinois resident, you can recover your password online at the State of Illinois Digital ID Portal Website. Look for the “Reset Password” section on the page.

If you are not an Illinois resident, contact Customer Support; PKI Digital Certificate – Customer Support. Support hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at 217-524-3648 or 312-524-3648.

If you are having trouble accessing a particular system (e.g., Healthcare and Family Services' MEDI site, the Illinois State Police CHIRP site, etc.), after you have successfully created your Digital ID, contact the Help Desk for that State Agency at the number that is given on that application web site.

Here is a list of Resources for several systems which are used.

• MEDI (Medical Electronic Data Interchange)- https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalproviders/edi/medi.html
• CHIRP (Criminal History Information Response Process) - https://chirp.isp.illinois.gov/CHIRP/login.action
• IPCB (Illinois Pollution Control Board) - https://pcb.illinois.gov/ClerksOffice/ElectronicFiling
• eCCPIS Illinois Department on Aging - https://www.egov.aging.state.il.us/egov/portal.htm
• CMS IBIS (Internet Billing System) - https://services.illinois.gov/IBIS/
• WEB3270 - https://services.illinois.gov/web3270/
• PKI Software Downloads -  https://accounts.pki.illinois.gov/downloads/

Contact Customer Support; PKI Digital Certificate - Customer Support hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 217-524-3648 or 312-524-3648.

Please respond by saying “I need help obtaining my digital certificate”.

The State of Illinois issues Digital IDs exclusively to individual citizens and not to entities. It is not possible to generate an ID for a company.

In the registration process, the information you supply is cross-referenced with the Secretary of State’s driver’s license database. This verification step is implemented to prevent unauthorized individuals from using your name to create a Digital ID and impersonate your identity.

In devising the registration process, it was essential to include at least one piece of information that wouldn't be readily guessed. While details like name, address, hair color, and eye color are easily discerned, we identified weight as the specific piece of information from the driver’s license that would be challenging for someone to guess accurately.

Your password will expire after 1 year. You should be prompted to change your password when the expiration period arrives.

Your Digital ID isn't merely a typical User ID. It holds the authority for legal signatures, implying that someone utilizing your Digital ID can sign legal documents, making you accountable. It is imperative never to share your Digital ID with anyone.

Various factors can lead to the failure of the username/password combination. If you encounter a message such as "Authenticate User bad Input," the issue likely resides with your password. In such instances, you can follow the instructions mentioned above to change your password.

Here are some documents that can assist as well. 

The digital certificates offered by the State of Illinois come at no cost, and the encryption/signing software is also provided for free. For any inquiries regarding this policy or assistance in obtaining the software, please contact the number specified in the "Who do I call for help" FAQ above. When reaching out, kindly inform the operator that you wish to speak with someone in the PKI section.