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For some, a REAL ID is not required.
If you currently have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you do not need a REAL ID, but it is optional.
Come May 3, 2023, you can instead continue to use your U.S. passport or passport card as your primary form of identification to board a domestic flight or to enter military bases or secure federal facilities.
However, if you do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, and do plan on traveling by air domestically, or to enter military bases or secure federal facilities, you need a REAL ID.
Illinois' REAL ID will go into effect on May 3, 2023.
In Illinois, residents looking to obtain a REAL ID will be required to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and provide documents that prove their identity, their Social Security number, a written signature and two documents that show proof of residency.
The following are acceptable documents to prove identity:
To provide proof of their Social Security number, resident can show their Social Security card or a W-2, or a pay stub with a Social Security number on it will be accepted.
Illinois residents will also need to provide at least two proofs of residency to receive a REAL ID. Those can include the following: bank statement, canceled check, school transcript, credit card statement, mortgage or rental agreement, insurance policy, pay stub, retirement statement, report card, utility bill, voter registration card.
For a proof of signature, residents can show a credit or debit card, a canceled check, a current Illinois driver’s license or ID, a court order, a foreign passport, a Medicare card or a U.S. military ID.
For a full list of acceptable documents, click here.
After providing those documents, residents will receive a temporary paper ID at the facility (although residents are reminded that the TSA will NOT accept that paper ID), and will receive their new ID in the mail within 15 business days.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023, White noted. The previous deadline was Oct. 1.
A REAL ID card will cost the same as a driver’s license, $30, or a state ID, $20.
The expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits have been extended until July 31, 2022.
The previous deadline was set for March 31 following numerous extensions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The office noted the extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses and CDL learner’s permits.
Yes, you have the option of either going to an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility or renewing online.
However you can only renew online if you:
If renewing online, your driver's license will be delivered to the address currently on record within 15 business days.
Yes, but if you are hoping to get your REAL ID while renewing your driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility for the initial application.
