Do you need a REAL ID in Illinois? Maybe…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says he is trying to clear up confusion surrounding the upcoming REAL ID deadline, with residents wondering if they need one or not.

As the Secretary of State’s office has said, starting in May 2025, Illinois residents will need a REAL ID instead of a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight or enter certain government buildings, such as a military base or a federal courthouse.

But that doesn’t mean all Illinois residents are required to get one.

You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that otherwise does not require an ID (like a post office), go to a hospital, or “participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations,” like jury duty.

A valid US Passport will also allow residents to fly.

“Between implementation delays and a lack of clarity about enforcement procedures, the REAL ID initiative has led to a great deal of confusion and misinformation about what is required and how the federal government plans to implement it,” Giannoulias said. “We do know that REAL IDs will not be mandatory for most tasks other than flying, and our employees have been doing an outstanding job at handling this unprecedented demand.”

Currently, about 3.4 million Illinois residents hold a REAL ID, about 30%.

REAL ID cards look like driver’s licenses but contain a gold star, in addition to using technology that makes them more difficult to forge.

After May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept identification that does not meet the standards established in the REAL ID Act. Note, a valid passport or passport card will also be accepted by the TSA.

To obtain a REAL ID, residents must visit a Secretary of State Drivers Service facility with the correct documentation.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, a person must provide:

• Proof of identity. This can include: 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.
• Proof of full Social Security number. This can include a SSN card, a W-2 or a pay stub with full SSN.)
• Two current residency documents with the applicant’s name. Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement
• Proof of signature. Examples include A credit/debit card, canceled check or current Illinois ID.

A full checklist can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State‘s website.

Residents have the option to make an appointment at one of 30 appointment facilities. You can make an appointment at this website.

Residents can also visit a walk-in facility and those facilities can be found here.