Illinois Residents Urged to Get New Driver’s Licenses as Deadline Looms
In Illinois, residents are being reminded to update their driver’s licenses as the deadline for compliance with the new federal identification standards approaches. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks, with the aim of improving security and reducing identity theft. The Act requires states to issue new driver’s licenses that meet certain criteria set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Illinois residents have until October 1, 2020, to obtain a new driver’s license or state ID that complies with the Real ID Act. Failure to do so will prevent them from using their licenses for domestic air travel, entering federal facilities, or accessing military bases. To comply with the Act, residents will need to provide additional documentation when applying for a new license, such as proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has been working to educate residents about the requirements of the Real ID Act and encourage them to update their licenses before the deadline. They have launched a public awareness campaign, including information on their website and social media channels, to inform residents of the necessary steps to comply with the Act. The office has also extended hours at several driver services facilities to accommodate the increased demand for new licenses.
“We want to make sure that all Illinois residents are aware of the upcoming deadline and have the information they need to update their driver’s licenses,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “It is important to take action now to avoid any disruptions in your ability to travel or access federal facilities.”
To obtain a new driver’s license that complies with the Real ID Act, residents will need to visit a driver services facility in person and provide the necessary documentation. This includes a valid passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2 form, and two documents proving Illinois residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Residents can also pre-apply for a Real ID online to expedite the process when they visit a driver services facility.
The process of obtaining a new driver’s license can be time-consuming, so residents are encouraged to start early and avoid waiting until the last minute. The Secretary of State’s office has also implemented measures to reduce wait times at driver services facilities, such as expanding online services and appointment scheduling options.
In addition to the Real ID Act requirements, Illinois residents are also encouraged to take the opportunity to update their driver’s licenses with any changes to their personal information, such as a change of address or name. The new driver’s licenses will feature enhanced security features to protect against identity theft and fraud, as well as a new design to differentiate them from older licenses.
Overall, the message to Illinois residents is clear: don’t wait until the last minute to get your new driver’s license. Take action now to ensure that you are compliant with the Real ID Act and avoid any disruptions in your ability to travel or access federal facilities. For more information on the requirements and the process for obtaining a new license, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or contact your local driver services facility.
