REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025.
For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 that will require you to use a valid U.S. Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office.
Take time to know your options. For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, please visit the TSA website.
To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. REAL ID applicants have the option to make an appointment at one of the 30 appointment facilities, or they can visit a walk-in facility. To determine what facilities require an appointment or to make an appointment, please visit Secretary of State Facility Appointments.
All 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). To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.
Giannoulias to Illinoisans: “Get Real”Do You Need a REAL ID?
Yes, if you...
- 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 secure federal facilities.
NOTE: For all new applications for a drivers license, as well as out-of-state transfers to a Illinois license, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.
No, if you...
- Have a Gold Star on your IL License or ID (It's a REAL ID!)
- 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 secure federal facilities.
If I am ...
| Action | Standard DL/ID | REAL ID |
|---|---|---|
| Driving (Driver’s License Only) | YES | YES |
| Using for general identification purposes | YES | YES |
| Boarding a domestic flight (U.S.) after May 7, 2025 | NO | YES |
| Entering a military base or secure federal facility after May 7, 2025 | NO | YES |
Important to know:
- Current Illinois DL/IDs are accepted for flying until May 7, 2025.
- Valid foreign government-issued passports are acceptable for air travel.
- List of TSA-acceptable identification documents for air travel.
- Illinois REAL ID cards are a permanent option for Illinois residents.
Good to know:
Fees for a standard DL/ID and REAL ID DL/ID are the same.
If you recently renewed, or if your license does not expire for more than one year, you may apply for a REAL ID and pay a $5 corrected fee. Your REAL ID will retain the same expiration date as your original license.
For domestic travel, a U.S. passport or a REAL ID card is acceptable. For international travel, a U.S. passport is necessary.
For additional information about passports, visit the U.S. Department of State, email npic@state.gov or call 877-487-2778.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart. Please note per federal law, the documents you bring in will be scanned.
For more information on REAL ID, call 833-503-4074
View the Application Processes
REAL ID Driver's License or ID
Steps for REAL ID Driver's License or ID
- Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and any required exams.
- All applicants must provide proof of identity. (Examples are: 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.
- All applicants must provide proof of full Social Security number (SSN). (Examples are: an SSN card, a W-2 or a pay stub with full SSN.)
- All applicants must provide two current residency documents with the applicant's name. (Examples are: a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement. Account numbers must be visible.)
- All applicants must provide proof of signature. (Examples are: a credit/debit card, canceled check or current Illinois DL/ID.)
- Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility. *Please note that the TSA and federal agents will not accept the paper document.
- After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Complete the Interactive Checklist
Complete this simple interactive checklist to find out exactly what documents you will need to bring to apply for a REAL ID DL/ID before visiting a Driver Services facility. All acceptable documents presented for verification or proof must be valid (current and not expired). Hard copy documents are required because we are required to scan all documents; images from a cellphone are not accepted. An applicant may print the image (e.g., bank statement) and provide the printed copy when presenting documentation. Account numbers must be visible. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Standard Driver's License or ID
If your DL/ID is currently valid and not expiring soon, you do not need to do anything.
Steps for REAL ID Driver's License or ID
- If your DL/ID is expiring soon, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and any required exams.
- Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility.
- After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent standard DL/ID will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Additional REAL ID Resources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline an additional year to May 7, 2025. Current Illinois driver's licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until May 7, 2025.
Apply for a U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Already have a REAL ID? Apply for a Duplicate REAL IDApply for a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
Apply for a Replacement Social Security Card
REAL ID Document Checklist—Acceptable Documents of Identification