Real ID Deadline Coming in 2025, Along with Other License Changes
When is the Real ID Deadline?
Beginning on May 7, 2025, Real ID-compliant identification will be required for residents who plan to fly domestically. “For Illinois residents who fly domestically, effective May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, military ID or other federally approved identification, you may continue to use it as your form of identification after May 7, 2025,” the Illinois Secretary of State’s office said.
Who Needs a Real ID and Where?
In addition to domestic flights, Real IDs will also be required when entering federal and state facilities, including courthouses and prisons. They will also be needed to enter secure facilities like nuclear power plants. All residents 18 and older who intend to fly domestically or enter these types of facilities will be required to obtain Real ID-compliant cards.
Why Do You Need a Real ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the publication of the 9/11 Commission Report in an effort to increase security of identification documents, making them more difficult to duplicate.
How Much Does a Real ID Cost?
The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a standard license, according to officials.
Where Can You Get a Real ID?
The cards can be obtained at Secretary of State’s Office locations, though many will require appointments to present materials needed to get the identification. Already in Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said his office was stepping up efforts to ensure that residents get REAL ID-compliant identification prior to next year’s deadline, and acknowledged there are concerns about the slow pace of obtaining the cards.
What Do You Need to Bring to Get a Real ID?
To apply for a Real ID in Illinois you’ll need the following items:
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status. Bring in one of the following documents: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate; a U.S. passport or passport card; an Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766; a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551; or an unexpired foreign passport with affixed visa and approved Form I-94.
- Proof of full Social Security number (SSN). Bring in one of the following documents: a Social Security card; W-2; pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt bearing your name and full SSN; SSA-1099 Form; or Non-SSA-1099 Form. Original documents are required.
- Two (2) residency documents. This includes documents such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage bill or medical document. Hard copy documents are required. Images from a cellphone are not accepted, but you may print the image (ex: bank statement) and provide the printed copy.
- Proof of signature. This includes documents such as credit/debit card, cancelled check or current Illinois DL/ID.
How Will the Deadline be Enforced?
A recent proposal from the Transportation Security Administration in September could delay full enforcement, but whether or not it will get approved remains to be seen. The plan would delay the full enforcement of REAL ID for another two years, but also warns of delays at airport security checkpoints for those who do not have a compliant ID.
What Other License Changes are in Store for Illinois in 2025?
Among hundreds of new laws taking effect in 2025 across the state is HB 4592, which allows the Secretary of State to issue mobile ID cards and driver’s licenses. The mobile ID’s will be issued “in addition to” standard licenses, but not in replace of. While the state specifies that drivers will still want to keep a physical copy of their ID on them for times where mobile ID’s aren’t accepted, they also note that they will work with other agencies to ensure use of mobile ID’s is widely accepted.
