In Illinois, many people may notice a small phrase printed on their driver’s license that reads “Federal limits apply.” But what exactly does this mean? And how does it impact individuals who hold an Illinois driver’s license?
The phrase “Federal limits apply” on an Illinois driver’s license refers to the Real ID Act, a law passed by Congress in 2005 in response to 9/11. The Real ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards include verifying the identity of applicants, checking their legal status in the country, and incorporating anti-counterfeiting measures into the design of the licenses.
States were given until October 1, 2020, to comply with the Real ID Act. After this date, individuals would need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or access certain federal facilities. Illinois was one of many states that received an extension to comply with the Real ID Act, pushing back the deadline to October 1, 2021.
As a result, Illinois driver’s licenses now come with the disclaimer “Federal limits apply” to indicate that they are not Real ID-compliant. This means that individuals may face difficulty using their Illinois driver’s license as a form of identification for domestic air travel or accessing federal facilities once the deadline passes.
To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in Illinois, individuals must provide additional documentation to prove their identity, citizenship, and residency. This may include a passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. Applicants must also visit a Secretary of State facility in person to apply for a Real ID.
Despite the looming deadline, many Illinois residents have yet to upgrade their driver’s licenses to Real ID-compliant cards. This has raised concerns among officials and travelers alike about the potential for long wait times and processing delays as the deadline approaches.
Secretary of State Jesse White has urged Illinois residents to upgrade their driver’s licenses to Real ID-compliant cards as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions in their travel plans or access to federal facilities. White’s office has implemented measures to streamline the application process, including setting up dedicated Real ID facilities and expanding appointment availability.
In addition to the Real ID Act, Illinois residents may also encounter the “Federal limits apply” disclaimer on their driver’s licenses due to non-compliance with other federal regulations. For example, individuals who are not registered with the Selective Service System may have this designation on their license, as federal law requires all male U.S. citizens and immigrant men residing in the country to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday.
Overall, the phrase “Federal limits apply” on an Illinois driver’s license serves as a reminder of the federal regulations governing the issuance of state-issued identification cards. While the Real ID Act may pose some challenges for Illinois residents, taking proactive steps to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant driver’s license can help ensure smooth travels and access to federal facilities in the future.
