Starting May 7, 2025, Illinois residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal buildings. With the deadline fast approaching, it’s important to understand what REAL ID is, how it affects travel plans, and what steps Illinois residents need to take.

What Is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is a federally compliant version of a state-issued driver's license or ID card. Created as part of the REAL ID Act of 2005, this standard was designed to enhance national security and prevent identity fraud. REAL ID cards are marked with a gold star in the upper-right corner.

If your current Illinois driver’s license or ID doesn’t have that gold star, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints beginning May 7, 2025.

Why the Change?

This national rollout is part of a federal initiative to establish consistent security measures across all states. The goal is to make identification more reliable and reduce the risk of fraudulent documents being used to access airports, military bases, and other federal facilities.

After years of extensions and delays, the federal government has set May 7, 2025, as the final deadline. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed it will begin enforcing these requirements nationwide on that date.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID?

If you show up at the airport after May 7, 2025, without a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport), you may:

Face delays due to secondary screening
Be denied entry through TSA security checkpoints
Miss your flight if you're unable to verify your identity

Even TSA PreCheck® members are not exempt from this rule. Every adult (18+) must present a REAL ID-compliant document or alternate federally accepted ID when passing through security.

Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID

While the REAL ID will be the easiest option for most Illinois residents, it is not the only one. You can still travel domestically if you carry one of the following:

Valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Tribal-issued photo ID

That said, having a REAL ID as your primary form of identification simplifies travel and reduces the need to carry additional documents.

How to Get a REAL ID in Illinois

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is the agency responsible for issuing REAL IDs. The process is relatively simple but does require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility.

Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

One Document Proving Identity

Examples: Valid U.S. passport, birth certificate

One Document Proving Social Security Number

Examples: Social Security card, W-2, pay stub with full SSN

Two Documents Proving Illinois Residency

Examples: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, official mail

Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable)

Examples: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order

Appointments are strongly encouraged, and you can schedule one online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s REAL ID website. Make sure your documents are original or certified copies—photocopies will not be accepted.

How to Tell If You Already Have a REAL ID

Look at the top-right corner of your Illinois driver’s license or ID card. If you see a gold star inside a circle, you already have a REAL ID. If not, and your license says “Federal Limits Apply,” it’s a standard (non-compliant) license.

Do You Need a REAL ID?

If you don’t plan to fly domestically or enter federal facilities or military bases, you can continue using your standard Illinois driver’s license. But for most people—especially travelers and federal contractors—a REAL ID is the more convenient option.

It's also worth noting that the REAL ID is not required to drive, vote, or receive federal benefits. It is solely for identity verification in federal contexts.

Avoid the Last-Minute Rush

As the May 2025 deadline approaches, Illinois Driver Services Facilities are expected to experience increased demand for appointments. To avoid long waits or potential travel disruptions, apply for your REAL ID as soon as possible.

Where to Learn More

For up-to-date information, visit the official Illinois REAL ID page at:
https://realid.ilsos.gov

You can also contact the Secretary of State’s office if you have questions about acceptable documents or scheduling an appointment.

Final Thoughts