Illinois BIPA Class Action Settlements: 2026 Guide
By Timo Bakker · July 3, 2026 · 5 min read
The Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is Illinois's landmark biometric privacy law. It has produced hundreds of class actions and multi-billion-dollar settlements against companies that collected fingerprints, voice prints, or facial recognition data without proper consent. This guide covers currently-open Illinois BIPA settlements and how to file.
How state residency affects eligibility
Some class actions are open to anyone in the US (federal class actions on federal claims). Some are limited to residents of specific states because they rely on state-specific consumer protection laws. When you file, you generally need to be a resident of the state at the time you were harmed — not necessarily now.
Currently-open Illinois BIPA settlements
The settlements directory lets you filter by state. Or use our eligibility checker which automatically applies your state to see only settlements you qualify for.
Filing from Illinois BIPA
The filing process is identical regardless of state. You submit your claim to the settlement administrator (usually a specialized law firm handling the settlement) — not the state government. Some settlements require proof of residency; most accept your sworn declaration.
Common Illinois BIPA-specific things to know
- If you moved to Illinois BIPA recently, you may still qualify for settlements covering the state you moved from during the class period. Use the address you had at the time of the alleged harm.
- Settlement checks are mailed to your current address, regardless of what state you were in during the class period.
- Class action payouts are taxed at the federal level based on what they compensate you for — state tax varies. Consult a tax professional for anything over $1,000.