March 3, 2025 – To accommodate the recent surge in demand, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced a new designated “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website – www.ilsos.gov – so Illinoisans can determine if they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins.
Prior to going to a DMV for a REAL ID, Giannoulias stressed that that Illinoisans should make sure they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal deadline, adding the demand for REAL IDs has made it challenging for the public to access other services at DMVs:
- Individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, global entry card or military identification and those under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such as a military base or federal courthouse as of May 7.
- REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle or required for valid identification or proof of citizenship.
- Illinoisans will still be able to apply for a REAL ID after May 7 and non-REAL ID identification – driver’s licenses and State IDs – will remain valid until the printed expiration date.
Meanwhile, TSA has not provided details on how it plans to enforce the REAL ID Act once the enforcement date arrives, suggesting it will implement a “phased enforcement approach” over a two-year period, which could allow travelers to board flights with warnings about the requirement.
Individuals applying for a REAL ID must do so in-person at an Illinois DMV and are required to present:
- A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to provide name change documents.
- Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN.
- Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include: a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement.
- Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.
Illinois residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have
the documents they need before heading to a DMV.
Some Illinois DMVs require an appointment, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead and visit www.ilsos.gov if they need to schedule one.
