Illinois REAL ID: Enforcement Begins In 1 Year

Jeff Arnold
·3 min read

ILLINOIS — Illinois residents have just one year to apply for their REAL ID cards. The Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcement for air travelers on May 3, 2023.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to apply for the REAL ID was moved to next year for the Land of Lincoln and the rest of the nation. The pandemic made it more cumbersome for residents to make trips to the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s services locations since the agency was operating in person at a limited capacity.

Although the deadline is a year away, Illinois residents are urged to try and get their REAL ID ahead of time, state officials said.

Getting a REAL ID isn't necessarily required, but the state is recommending it. U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

It's important to note that the new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional Illinois Driver's License. This new card will have a little gold star in the top right corner, while a driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

The state-issued REAL ID will include a gold star while traditional Illinois driver's licenses will include the words "federal limits apply"
The state-issued REAL ID will include a gold star while traditional Illinois driver's licenses will include the words "federal limits apply"


All Illinois Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities (Diversey, Lockport, Orland Township, Rockford Auburn St., and Roscoe), state officials said. To find the nearest facility, visit the Secretary of State's Facility Finder.

Residents do not need a REAL ID if they have a valid U.S. passport or passport card or it they do not fly domestically, visit military installations, or secure federal facilities, state officials said.

Here’s how to get your Illinois REAL ID

Step 1: Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take a new photo and any required exams.

Step 2: All applicants must provide proof of identity. (Examples include: a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.) *Name change documents, such as certified copies of a marriage certificate, etc., will be required if the applicant presents a certified birth certificate with a name different from his/her current name. Please note: Multiple name change documents will be required if your name has changed multiple times.

Step 3: All applicants must provide proof of full Social Security number (SSN). (Examples include: an SSN card, a W-2, or a pay stub with a full SSN.)

Step 4: All applicants must provide two current residency documents with the applicant's name. (Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title, or a bank statement. Account numbers must be visible.)

Step 5: All applicants must provide proof of signature. (Examples include: a credit/debit card, canceled check, or current Illinois DL/ID.)

Step 6: Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility. *Please note that the TSA and federal agents will not accept the paper document.

Step 7: After review and verification of documents have been conducted, the resident’s new permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days.

Illinois REAL ID: Enforcement Begins In 1 Year originally appeared on the Across Illinois Patch