Federal Limits Apply to Illinois Driver’s Licenses: What You Need to Know
Illinois residents who hold a driver’s license are now subject to federal limits that apply to the types of identification they can use for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities. This change is a result of the Real ID Act, which was passed in 2005 to enhance the security and reliability of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The Real ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and it prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for certain official purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight. Illinois is one of the states that has been granted an extension to comply with the Real ID Act, but residents should be aware of the new requirements and how they will impact their ability to travel and access federal facilities.
Under the Real ID Act, Illinois residents must visit a Secretary of State facility to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. To do so, they will need to provide documentation to prove their identity, Social Security number, and residency in the state. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or W-2 form, and two documents proving residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Once residents have provided the necessary documentation, they will receive a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card that has a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. This indicates that the ID meets the federal standards required for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal facility. It is important to note that residents who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card will need to show an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight after October 1, 2021.
The Secretary of State’s office has been working to inform residents about the new requirements and encourage them to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card before the deadline. In addition to visiting a Secretary of State facility, residents can also renew their driver’s license or identification card online if they are eligible. The online renewal process will prompt residents to upload the necessary documentation to verify their identity and residency.
There is no additional fee to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in Illinois. The standard fee for renewing a driver’s license or identification card applies, and residents are encouraged to plan ahead and allow enough time to receive their new ID before the deadline. The Secretary of State’s office has been processing a high volume of requests for Real ID-compliant IDs, and appointments at certain facilities may be limited.
Residents who are not sure if they have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card can check their status on the Secretary of State’s website. By entering their driver’s license or identification card number and last name, they can verify if their ID is compliant with the Real ID Act. If residents discover that their ID is not compliant, they should schedule an appointment at a Secretary of State facility to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card.
It is important for Illinois residents to be aware of the federal limits that apply to their driver’s licenses and take the necessary steps to ensure they have a Real ID-compliant ID before the deadline. By obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, residents can continue to use their ID for domestic air travel and access federal facilities without any interruptions. The Secretary of State’s office is available to assist residents with any questions or concerns about the Real ID Act and the new requirements for obtaining a compliant ID.
