Next year, your regular old Illinois driver’s license won’t be enough to get you through TSA security at the airport. Instead, you’ll need what’s called a REAL ID.
On Tuesday, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched a new campaign encouraging residents to get a REAL ID. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, Giannoulias’ office said, based on a recommendation from the 9/11 commission’s report.
Officials say the ID is meant to be a more secure form of identification.
“The Department of Homeland Security has established the standards that state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards must meet to strengthen security measures at airports and federal facilities,” a press release states. from Giannoulias’ office.
At a press conference Tuesday, TSA officials joined Giannoulias’ efforts.
“The idea is to know who is boarding our plane,” said Jim Spriggs, director of federal security for TSA Illinois. “And that the person standing there at the TSA checkpoint is who they say they are.”
Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification documents, which include a U.S. passport or REAL ID-compliant state ID or driver’s license, will be required to board a flight interior.
“A REAL ID will also be required to enter certain federal facilities such as courthouses and military bases,” Giannoulias’ office said.
A REAL ID is different from a standard state ID card or driver’s license. In Illinois, REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses contain a gold circle with a white star in the upper right corner of the card, Giannoulias said.
“I cannot emphasize enough that we strongly encourage residents to ‘get real’ well in advance of the deadline, to avoid any additional problems,” Giannoulias said Tuesday during the press conference.
In Illinois, the only way to acquire a REAL ID is to visit a DMV branch in person. To make sure you have everything you need, an interactive checklist of all necessary documents is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
A total of five pieces of ID are required to obtain a legally compliant license or ID card.
Here’s what you need to submit an application:
Original copies are required for all documents, and physical copies are also required, as facility employees will be required to scan all documents.
A form of identification must contain your full and current legal name, first name, middle name, and last name. This may include a certified copy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, and other identification documents issued by the Department of State.
Another document must contain your full social security number. This may include your card, a W-2 form, pay stub, or other IRS documents that contain your name and SSN.
Two documents establishing proof of residence are also required. This may include bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements, college transcripts, credit reports, mortgage or rental agreements, insurance policies, pay stubs , utility bills, voter registration cards, or official mail received from a government agency. These documents must bear the name and address of the applicant.
Finally, another document must include the written signature of the applicant. This may include a driver’s license, canceled check, court order, credit or debit card, Medicare card, military ID, loan documents, Social Security card, or United States form. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, among others.
Those who submit an application for a REAL ID will likely receive their new ID card in the mail within 15 days.
The cost of a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card will be the same as any other driver’s license ($30) or ID card ($20) issued by the DMVs of Illinois, officials said.
A complete guide to frequently asked questions regarding REAL IDs can be found here.
NBC Chicago
