Once you are certified and approved by the doctor, you will then need to complete the application through the state website, also known as the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System. You will need the following items:

• Completed physician certification (you receive this from the doctor post appointment)
• A passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days (this can be done with a smartphone but must be clear and have a plain background)
• A color copy of EITHER: Illinois Drivers License, Illinois State ID card, or passport

If your current address does not match the address on your identity document, then you will also need to provide proof you are an Illinois resident. For proof of residency, you’ll need one of the following items; documents must match the name and address on your application:

• Pay stub or electronic deposit receipt issued less than 60 days prior to the application, which shows evidence of the applicant’s withholding for State income tax
• Valid voter registration card with an address in Illinois
• Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license or other State identification card issued by the Illinois Secretary of State
• Bank Statement, dated less than 60 days prior to application
• Deed/Title, Mortgage, Rental/Lease agreement
• Insurance Policy (homeowner’s or renter’s)
• Medical Claim or Statement of Benefits (from private insurance company or public (government) agency, dated less than 90 days prior to application) or
• Social Security Disability Insurance Statement or Supplemental Security Income Benefits Statement
• Tuition invoice/official mail from college or university, dated less than 12 months prior to application
• Utility bill including, but not limited to, those for electric, water, refuse, telephone land-line, cable or gas, issued less than 60 days prior to application
• Notarized Homeless status certification (if you are using this form you only need this single document to prove residency)

Click here to go to the Illinois website to submit your patient application.

Additionally, there is a non-refundable government fee that must be paid as part of the application process.

Once your application is complete, you will receive a provisional registration letter. In the meantime, you can print this out and use it to purchase medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary. This letter will be valid for up to 90 days, or until your application is either approved or denied. However, it usually takes the Illinois Department of Health up to 30 days to review card applications and make their decision.

If you’ve been approved, you’ll receive a digital copy of your medical marijuana card.

Illinois Medical cannabis renewals come in two forms:

1. Extension Renewal: For patients who did not initially opt for a three-year card and wish to continue with the program, an incremental yearly renewal is available. No doctors visit is needed for this extension.

2. Full Recertification Renewal: Patients who have held their cards for three years or whose card has expired must undergo a full recertification renewal. This involves visiting a doctor for an updated online certification and additional documentation.

The state of Illinois sends courtesy email reminders approximately 45 days before the expiration date for extension renewals and five months before the expiration date for full recertification renewals.

If you’ve had a 6-month Terminal Illness Registry Card, do not initiate a Terminal Illness application; instead, submit a qualifying patient application. For assistance, contact 855-636-3688 or email [email protected].

After each three-year cycle, submit a new online application with a new photo and documentation to extend your registry identification card. 

• In Illinois, smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis is illegal:

• • In close proximity to anyone younger than 21 years of age, even if on otherwise approved private property
  • On any private property of which the owner (person, business, landlord, college) does NOT approve of use
  • In any public place, including parks, beaches, open garages, front porches, outdoor stairwells, etc.
  • In/on any motorized vehicle, including boats and motorcycle
• You may NOT possess cannabis:
• • On any federal land within Illinois, such as national park service areas
  • In section 8 government-funded housing
  • In parks, recreation areas, wildlife areas, or playgrounds owned (in whole or part), leased, or managed by the state
  • Traveling across state borders

To qualify as a designated caregiver, an individual must:

• Be a resident of the State of Illinois at the time or application and remain a resident during participation in the program
• Serve only one registered qualifying patient
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Pay an application fee

The state of Illinois does not accept out-of-state medical cards.

However, some states accept Illinois medical cannabis cards. For a complete list click here.