After being delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, REAL ID-compliant ID cards will be required to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal buildings, such as prisons or military facilities, in just less than six months for Illinois residents 18 years of age and older.
Residents will still be able to board a domestic flight with a valid passport or passport card after the change, which is set for May 3, 2023.
The requirement stems from federal legislation passed by Congress in 2005.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress 17 years ago, "establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards."
REAL IDs are issued in all 50 states and designated by a star and surrounding gold circle that appears in the top right-hand corner of an Illinois driver's license or state ID card. In Illinois, a REAL ID can be obtained by visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
While making an appointment is an option, it isn't required as walk-ins are permitted. Appointments can be made online up to 10 days in advance.
Those wishing to get a REAL ID while renewing their Illinois driver's license can do so, but must first fill out an application and provide documents that prove their identity, their Social Security number, a written signature and two documents that show proof of residency.
The following are acceptable documents to prove identity:
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Foreign passport with U.S. visa affixed with approved Form I-94 document
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Employment Authorization Document
- Permanent Resident Card
- REAL ID
To provide proof of their Social Security number, residents can show their Social Security card or a W-2. A pay stub with a Social Security number on it will also be accepted.
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Proof of residency documents can include the following:
- Bank statements
- Canceled checks
- School transcripts
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage or rental agreement
- Insurance policy
- Paystubs
- Retirement statements
- Report cards
- Utility bills
- Voter registration cards
After providing those documents, residents will receive a temporary paper ID at the facility (although residents are reminded that the TSA will NOT accept the paper ID), and will receive their new ID in the mail within 15 business days.
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For a proof of signature, residents can present a credit or debit card, a canceled check, a current Illinois driver’s license or ID, a court order, a foreign passport, a Medicare card or a U.S. military ID.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, click here.
A REAL ID card costs the same as a driver’s license ($30) or a state ID ($20).
