Giannoulias to Illinoisans: “Get Real”
For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 that will require you to use a valid U.S. Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Take time to know your options. For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, please visit the TSA website.
To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. REAL ID applicants have the option to make an appointment at one of the 30 appointment facilities, or they can visit a walk-in facility. To determine what facilities require an appointment or to make an appointment, please visit Secretary of State Facility Appointments.
All Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities (Diversey, Lockport, Orland Township, Rockford Auburn St. and Roscoe). To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.
Action | Standard DL/ID | REAL ID DL/ID |
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Driving (DL only) | YES | YES |
Using for general identification purposes | YES | YES |
Boarding a domestic flight (U.S.) after May 7, 2025 | NO | YES |
Entering a military base or secure federal facility after May 7, 2025 | NO | YES |
Important |
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REAL ID Resources U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline an additional year to May 7, 2025. Current Illinois driver's licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until May 7, 2025. |
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