Get an Illinois
Medical Marijuana Card

Next steps after approval

Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 90 days of your Leafwell approval. Failure to meet this deadline necessitates an additional consultation, as mandated by the state. To avoid an extra consultation fee, submit your application on time!

Here’s a guide to what you need to do next.

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

• A digital photograph (taken within the last 30 days – passport style)
• Proof of age and identity (e.g. IL driving license, IL state ID, passport, or out-of-state ID with proof of residency)
• A credit card to pay for the state application
• If applicable: A Benefit Verification Letter (or DD214)

Getting Your Card

1. Click here to sign up for an ILogin account.
2. Complete the requested information and click ‘Sign Up.’
3. Activate your ILogin account by clicking ‘Set up’ under the Email option.
4. You’ll be sent an email notification with a verification link. Click Verify your email.
5. Click the ‘IDPH Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program’ icon.
6. Read and agree to the terms of use by clicking ‘Next.’
7. Choose your application type.
   1. If you are applying for a minor, click here for more detailed instructions.
8. Complete the rest of the information required and click ‘Save & Next.’
9. On the next page, click on the Health Care Professional (HCP) Certification drop-down box.
   1. Your certification number is associated with your account automatically using your first and last name, DOB, and SSN.
   2. Your certificate number will be auto-populated in the drop-down box and start with PC. Our providers aim to get your certificates submitted on the same day. If the certificate does not appear within 24 hours, please contact support@leafwell.com.
10. Upload your proof of identity, and if required, your proof of residence on the next step.
11. If you need a caregiver, you can add their information to your application (click for more detailed instructions on this process).For more information for caregivers, click here.
12. Next, you can choose to get a card for 1, 2, or 3 years (your certificate from Leafwell is valid for 3 years and if you do not renew your 1 or 2-year card in time, you may be charged a resubmission fee by Leafwell).
    1. 1 year = $50
    2. 2 years = $100
    3. 3 years = $125 – Recommended
13. On the signature verification page, type your name into the box to act as a digital signature.
14. Click ‘Pay Now.’
15. Pay for your application and finalize your application.
16. Click ‘Go to Dashboard.’
17. Click the ‘Generate’ button on the View Provisional Letter tile to download your provisional letter.
18. Once the state has fully processed your approval, which can take up to 90 days, you can access your digital card.

Additional Instructions

• Registering an Adult Patient

In addition to contacting Leafwell, free help is available for patients through participating local health departments. Click here for a list of participating locations.

Please note: Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 90 days of receiving your Leafwell certification. Failure to do so may result in an additional consult and fee.

Next steps after renewal

There are two types of renewals in Illinois :

1. An Extension Renewal, which is a yearly incremental renewal for patients who did not purchase a three-year card at the onset of registering and wish to continue with the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. Your certification will still be valid, so a new one is not required for this type of renewal.
   1. Instructions can be found here.
2. A Full Recertification Renewal, a renewal for patients who have had their cards for three years or whose card has expired. Full recertification renewals will require patients to see their certifying health care professional for a new updated certification.
   1. Instructions can be found here.
   2. After submitting payment to the state, you will receive an email notification. You can continue to use your current card until it expires.
      1. Please note: The new expiration date will not be shown on your account until after the current card expires. Once expired, you will be able to print or download your updated card the next day.

Notification prior to renewal:

IDPH will send a courtesy email about your extension renewal (one-year incremental renewal) approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card.

DPH will send a courtesy email about your full recertification renewals (three-year cards) five months prior to the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card.

How to become a caregiver in Illinois

Patients under 18 or those unable to manage medical cannabis themselves may select a designated caregiver to assist with the patient’s medical use of medical marijuana.

Caregivers must apply for a registry ID card online through the state of Illinois’ online application portal or by completing and submitting a printed application, available online.

Registry ID cards for caregivers are valid for up to three years, and the card fee varies depending on the length of the card and whether your patient already has an active medical marijuana card.

As of 2018, Ashley’s Law allows minor patient cardholders access to medical marijuana-infused products at school or on a school bus. Only a registered caregiver may administer these products to the student. Must be 21 years or older.

Caregivers must:

• Agree to assist with a patient’s medical use of cannabis
• Keep their medical cannabis patient registry identification card in his or her possession at all times when engaging in the medical use of cannabis.
• Not been convicted of an excluded offense.
• Have one registered qualifying Illinois medical cannabis patient.

Can I use an Illinois medical card in other states?

Illinois does not have medical marijuana reciprocity, which means you cannot use another state’s medical marijuana card in Illinois. However, anyone aged 21 or older can legally purchase adult-use cannabis in the state.

Some other states and territories let visiting patients buy with an out-of-state card. As of September 2026, an Illinois medical cannabis card can be used to purchase in:

• Arkansas *
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Utah * (a non-resident card, valid 21 days, up to twice per calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must first obtain a visiting-patient or temporary card from that state’s program.

Arizona, Georgia, Iowa and Missouri recognize an Illinois card for possession only: you cannot buy at their dispensaries. New Jersey dispensaries do not sell to out-of-state patients. Laws change; check the destination state’s program before you travel, and never carry cannabis across state lines.