With Illinoisans required to show a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings starting in May 2023, many are wondering what they need to make sure their ID is compliant before the deadline.
Residents 18 years and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant ID or a valid passport or passport card in order to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal building, such as prisons and military facilities.
The requirement stems from 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.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
Local
Proof of residency documents 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).
