REAL ID does not go into effect until October 1, 2020.
Your current Illinois driver's license or ID card (DL/ID) will be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until Oct. 1, 2020. Beginning spring 2019, we are providing you with the choice either to obtain a REAL ID card or to keep a standard card. Take time to know your options. To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist.
Application Process for
Standard Driver's License or ID
If your DL/ID is currently valid and not expiring soon, you do not need to do anything.
Step 1: If your DL/ID is expiring soon, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and the required exams.
Step 2: Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility.
Step 3: After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent standard DL/ID will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Application Process for
REAL ID Driver's License or ID
Step 1: Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and the required exams.
Step 2: All applicants must provide proof of identity. (Examples are: a 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.) *Please note that name change documents, such as a marriage certificate, will be required if the applicant presents a birth certificate with a name different from his/her current name.
Step 3: 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.)
Step 4: 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.)
Step 5: All applicants must provide proof of signature. (Examples are: a credit/debit card, canceled check or current Illinois DL/ID.)
Step 6: Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility. *Please note that the TSA and federal agents will not accept the paper document.
Step 7: After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Complete this simple interactive checklist to find out exactly what documents you will need to bring to apply for a REAL ID DL/ID before visiting a Driver Services facility.
- Fees for a standard DL/ID and REAL ID DL/ID are the same.
- For domestic travel, a U.S. passport or a REAL ID card is acceptable. For international travel, a U.S. passport is necessary.
- For additional information about passports, visit the U.S. Department of State, email npic@state.gov or call 877-487-2778.
- For a complete list of acceptable documents, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
| Action | Standard DL/ID | REAL ID DL/ID |
|---|---|---|
| Driving (DL only) | YES | YES |
| Using for general identification purposes | YES | YES |
| Boarding a domestic flight (U.S.) after Oct. 1, 2020 | NO | YES |
| Entering a military base or secure federal facility after Oct. 1, 2020 | NO | YES |
Important Dates
- Illinois will begin issuing REAL ID-compliant DL/IDs statewide spring 2019.
- Current Illinois DL/IDs accepted for flying until Oct. 1, 2020.
- Due to extended time available before this regulation takes effect, there is plenty of time to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card if you need one.
REAL ID Resources