Illinois to Require Real ID for State Driver’s Licenses
Starting next year, Illinois residents will need to upgrade their driver’s licenses to the Real ID format in order to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act was put in place in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks to strengthen airport security and prevent identity theft.
The deadline for Illinois residents to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license is October 1, 2022. After that date, standard Illinois driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for identification purposes at airports or federal facilities. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have special security features, such as a star in the top right corner, that make them harder to counterfeit.
To obtain a Real ID, Illinois residents will need to provide specific documents to prove their identity, social security number, and residency. Acceptable documents include a valid passport or birth certificate, social security card, and two documents proving Illinois residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Residents can visit their local Secretary of State office to apply for a Real ID, and there is a one-time $30 fee for the upgraded license.
Secretary of State, Jesse White, is encouraging Illinois residents to apply for the Real ID early to avoid long lines and wait times. He has also announced that his office will be hosting several Real ID events throughout the state to help residents with the application process. The events will provide information on the Real ID requirements and assist residents in gathering the necessary documents.
Many Illinois residents are already making plans to upgrade their driver’s licenses to Real ID. Sarah Thompson, a frequent flyer from Chicago, says she wants to be prepared for any future travel plans. “I travel often for work, so having a Real ID will make things much easier for me,” she explains. “I’d rather get it done sooner rather than later, so I don’t have to worry about it down the road.”
Others, like Mark Johnson from Springfield, are less enthused about the Real ID requirement. “I understand the need for increased security, but it’s a hassle to gather all the documents and go through the process of getting a Real ID,” he says. “I wish there was an easier way to prove my identity without having to jump through all these hoops.”
Despite some pushback from residents, the Real ID requirement is expected to improve security measures at airports and federal facilities. By establishing a consistent standard for identification across all states, the Real ID Act aims to make it harder for criminals and terrorists to manipulate the system. Illinois residents who fail to obtain a Real ID by the October 1 deadline will be unable to board domestic flights or access certain federal buildings without an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or military ID.
As the deadline approaches, Secretary of State Jesse White is urging residents not to wait until the last minute to apply for a Real ID. “We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the requirements and has ample time to gather the necessary documents,” he says. “Our goal is to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for Illinois residents.”
Overall, the Real ID requirement is a necessary step in enhancing security measures and protecting against identity theft. Illinois residents who are planning to travel domestically or visit federal facilities should make plans to upgrade their driver’s licenses to the Real ID format before the deadline next year. Failure to do so could result in being denied access to certain locations and inconvenience while traveling.
