Overview

• Starting May 7, 2025, passengers flying domestically within the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant identification or an approved alternative, such as a U.S. passport.
• REAL IDs are optional for activities like driving, voting, and accessing most federal facilities, but are required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain restricted federal sites.
• Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has advised residents not traveling immediately to delay obtaining a REAL ID to avoid long DMV wait times caused by a recent surge in applications.
• REAL ID-compliant licenses can be identified by a star or equivalent symbol on the card, though design variations exist across states.
• To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, two residency documents, and a signature verification, with costs matching those of standard state IDs.