The Illinois Secretary of State on Monday announced that the US Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional two years. The new deadline is May 7th, 2025. This will give Illinoisans with current standard driver’s licenses or ID cards a chance to have just their licenses accepted at airports for domestic air travel until May 7th, 2025.
Illinoisans that are interested in applying for a REAL ID are encouraged to visit REALID.ilsos.gov and use an interactive document checklist. This checklist is designed to help ensure REAL ID applicants gather all the documents required by the federal government to obtain a REAL ID before visiting a Driver Services Facility. First time REAL ID applicants are required to visit a driver services facility in person.
In Illinois, the Secretary of State gives a choice on whether or not you get a REAL ID but it’s not needed unless you are flying domestically or if you have a US Passport. As of December 1st, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has issued more than 3 million REAL ID’s.
