While the deadline for REAL ID compliance is still months away, the requirement marks a change in what will be required to board a domestic flight and to enter federal buildings such as courthouses, prisons and military bases.
Illinoisans 18 years and older will have to present a valid passport, passport card or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card in order to board a domestic flight.
The requirement begins on May 3, 2023 and also extends to the requirements of visiting a federal facility.
But what is the REAL ID, and how do residents know if their ID is compliant?
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What is the REAL ID and is it nationwide?
According to the Department of Homeland Services, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, "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."
The REAL ID is issued in all 50 states and is 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
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Where will I need a REAL ID?
REAL IDs, the DHS says, will specifically be needed for the following purposes:
- Accessing certain federal facilities, like TSA security checkpoints
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, or flying domestically
- Entering nuclear power plants
Do I Need to Get One by the Deadline if I Have a Passport?
If you don't currently have a REAL ID, you might not need one. According to the state, you do not need a REAL ID if:
- You have a valid U.S. passport or passport card; or
- You do not use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or
- You do not visit military bases; or
- You do not visit secure federal facilities.
You do, however, need a REAL ID, the state says, if:
- You do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card; AND
- You use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or
- You visit military bases; or
- You visit secure federal facilities.
How Can I Get my REAL ID Before the Deadline?
Those wishing to get a REAL ID while renewing their Illinois driver's license can do so, but must first fill out a REAL ID application at a Secretary of State Drivers Services facility 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.
What if my Current Name is Different Than the Name on my Birth Certificate?
For Illinois residents whose current name is different than the name on their birth certificate, a document proving the name change is required for each name change that has occurred.
Both a marriage certificate or a court-certified name-change order are accepted as proof of a name change. Copies of documents are not acceptable.
However, if a resident has a valid passport with their current legal name, no additional name-change documentation is required. More information on the REAL ID requirements for those whose birth name differs from their current name can be found here.
What Documents Are Required?
Illinois residents will also need to show at least two proofs of residency. Those can include the following: bank statement, canceled check, school transcript, credit card statement, mortgage or rental agreement, insurance policy, pay stub, retirement statement, report card, utility bill and voter registration card.
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.
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).
Illinois residents can use an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents necessary to apply.
