SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A year from now, if you’re booking a flight and don’t have a REAL ID, you’ll need to bring another form of ID with you to the airport, or you’ll have to make a trip to the DMV.
Illinois is just under a year out from the deadline to get a REAL ID.
“The law that was enacted in 2005, and was meant to take effect in 2008, has been extended multiple times. Sixteen years have gone by since then, and now the deadline is officially May 7th, 2025,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says.
After that date, REAL ID, or other approved forms of ID will be required for anyone wanting to fly domestically.
Giannoulias says the federal law will standardize the requirements nationwide to get a driver’s license, and eventually everyone will need a REAL ID.
“As the new deadline approaches, the demand for REAL ID driver’s licenses and state IDs will inevitably increase. And, waiting until the last minute will create headaches and heartaches at airports, and lines at our DMV facilities,” Giannoulias says.
Illinois started offering REAL IDs in 2019, though only 23.5% of state residents have one, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
“If you do not have a REAL ID card by the federal deadline, you’ll need to bring another type of TSA-acceptable document, such as a valid passport or Global Entry card, to federal checkpoints. As Illinois Secretary of State, I want to make sure that we are ready for this change,” Giannoulias says.
Illinois recently launched a “Get Real” campaign to spread awareness and create a sense of urgency as the deadline approaches for REAL ID.
To apply for a REAL ID, you have to make an in-person appointment with the DMV and bring several documents to prove your identity and residency.
See a REAL ID checklist from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office HERE.
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