Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting Illinois State Fair visitors to stop by the office’s tent to apply for a REAL ID, renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration, explore family history through free genealogy searches, meet award-winning Illinois authors and enjoy free activities for kids.
“The Illinois State Fair is all about celebrating what makes our state special and we’re excited to bring Secretary of State services directly to thousands of Illinoisans while they’re already enjoying a great family tradition,” Giannoulias said. “Instead of making a separate trip to the DMV, fairgoers can take care of essential business, research their family history or spend time with their kids at an author reading.”
Families can enjoy Pop-a-Shot basketball hoops, a coloring station and appearances by Illinois authors, who will read their books aloud and sign copies during select times throughout the fair. One hundred books from each author will be given away during scheduled appearances. Featured writers include Gene Ha, Jeffrey Brown, Kate Hannigan, Betsy Bird and many others (see schedule below).
Fairgoers can also check out the office’s One-Stop-Shop experience, allowing customers to obtain both driver and vehicle services from a single counter. At the fair they can:
- Apply for a REAL ID, driver’s license or state ID card.
- Renew a driver’s license or state ID card.
- Switch from a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) to a standard driver’s license.
- Renew vehicle registrations.
- Apply for a Persons with Disabilities placard.
- Join the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry.
To save time, visitors are encouraged to check www.ilsos.gov before coming to the fair to ensure they bring the required documents for their transaction.
Representatives from the Secretary of State’s Archives Department will conduct genealogy searches at no charge. Representatives from the Business Services Department will be on hand to assist those wanting to start a business, file paperwork or look up an existing business.
The Secretary of State’s tent, located on Brian Raney Avenue near the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, will be open daily Aug. 13 to Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The tent will close at 4 p.m. on the final day of the fair.
2026 Illinois Reads Author Schedule
- Aug. 14 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Dana Miroballi, Inventions to Count On
- Aug. 15 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Nicole M. Hewitt, The Song of Orphan’s Garden
- Aug. 15 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Darcy Day Zoells, Smithy and Me
- Aug. 16 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Kate Hannigan, Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World
- Aug. 16 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Jacob Grant, Turtle Slept In
- Aug. 17 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Jeffrey Brown, Hulk Teach 2
- Aug. 18 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Chelsea Tornetto, Seasons on the Farm
- Aug. 19 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Jessie Ann Foley, Severe and Unusual Weather
- Aug. 20 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Juleesa Espinoza and Veronica Castillo, Emilia’s Corte
- Aug. 21 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Lisa Maggiore, Ava the Monster Slayer
- Aug. 22 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Zach Von Zonk, E-I-UFO
- Aug. 22 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Kristin Nilsen, The Scott Fenwick Diaries
- Aug. 23 | 10 a.m. – Noon: Gene Ha, Mae
- Aug. 23 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Betsy Bird, POP!
