REAL ID In Illinois: 8 Questions Answered

ILLINOIS — The REAL ID deadline is fast approaching for Illinois residents.

Starting Oct. 1, drivers' licenses and state IDs that are not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted as identification by federal authorities. That means REAL IDs will be needed to board domestic flights and get access to federal facilities or nuclear power plants.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and photo ID cards have been available at Illinois driver's license facilities since March 2019. Still, many residents continue to have questions about REAL ID requirements.

Here are eight common REAL ID questions answered:

Do I have to get a REAL ID?

No. REAL IDs are optional. If you have a passport, you can use that form of identification to board flights and obtain entry into federal facilities. REAL IDs are not required to drive in Illinois.

Who needs a REAL ID?

You need a REAL ID 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.

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.

Do I need a REAL ID to vote?

No. You do not need a REAL ID to vote.

How and where do I get a REAL ID?

All Illinois Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities (Diversey, Lockport, Orland Park, Rockford Auburn St., Roscoe and Washington). To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder. Some Chicago-area facilities offer expanded hours for REAL ID applicants.

What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

• 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, divorce decree, etc., will be required if the applicant presents a certified birth certificate with a name different from his/her current name. 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.)
• All applicants must provide proof of signature. (Examples are: a credit/debit card, canceled check or current Illinois DL/ID.)

>> Your checklist for required paperwork to obtain your REAL ID

What happens after I apply for a REAL ID?

First, you'll receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility — but TSA and federal agents will not accept the temporary, 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.

How much does it cost?

A REAL ID card costs the same as a driver’s license ($30) or a state ID ($20).

Does my child need a REAL ID to board an airplane?

The TSA does not currently require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.

Kara Seymour and Rebecca Hughes, Patch Staff, contributed to this article