Illinois Licenses: Valid For Airports?

As of May 7, 2025, anyone aged 18 or over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to fly domestically in the US. This means that a standard Illinois driver's license will not be sufficient to pass through TSA security at the airport. Illinois driver's licenses that are REAL ID-compliant can be identified by a gold circle with a white star in the top right-hand corner of the card. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit a DMV branch in person and submit five forms of identification.

REAL ID-compliant driver's license

From May 7, 2025, all travelers boarding domestic flights in the US will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. This includes US travelers with Illinois licenses.

A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star in the upper top portion of the card, or it will say "Enhanced". If your driver's license has this, you are REAL ID-ready. If it does not, you will need to obtain a REAL ID license or another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or visit a federal facility after May 7, 2025.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the exact documentation required. At a minimum, you will need to provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

States may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific guidance and requirements.

It is important to note that a REAL ID license is not required for all purposes, such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment. However, for domestic air travel and accessing certain federal facilities, a REAL ID-compliant license or alternative acceptable form of identification will be mandatory from May 7, 2025.

Identification at airports

In Illinois, residents are encouraged to obtain a REAL ID, which differs from a standard state ID card or driver's license. The REAL ID is marked by a gold circle with a white star in the top-right corner of the card. To acquire a REAL ID, individuals must visit a DMV branch in person and submit five forms of identification, including proof of their full legal name, Social Security number, residency, and signature. The cost of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card is the same as for any other license or ID issued by Illinois DMVs.

For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, Illinois offers a standard driver's license that does not require a Social Security Number. This license is labeled as "Federal Limits Apply" and cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as boarding flights, voting, or entering federal buildings. However, it can be used for various day-to-day activities like picking up prescriptions and accessing financial services. To obtain this standard license, non-citizens must pass a driving test, have valid insurance, provide identification papers, and prove residency in Illinois for at least one year.

Additionally, foreign driver's licenses are accepted in Illinois for up to 90 days, as long as they are valid and not expired. After 90 days, individuals planning to become permanent residents must obtain an Illinois driver's license. Students attending college in Illinois who do not intend to stay permanently are exempt from this requirement.

Foreign driver's license

Illinois law allows individuals relocating to the state to drive with a valid foreign driver's license for 90 days. This also applies to CDL holders, who have a reduced window of 30 days to obtain an Illinois CDL. Foreign drivers are also required to obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident of the state.

International driving permits are issued by an individual's home country and translate the license, making it easier for US officials to read. However, these permits are not valid on their own, and a valid foreign driver's license is still required.

Students enrolled at Illinois colleges and universities are allowed to drive on a valid foreign driver's license. This also applies to the spouse and/or children of students. International students wishing to obtain an Illinois driver's license may be eligible to do so. To apply for an Illinois driver's license, a valid social security number is required. Those without a social security number may apply for a Temporary Visitor's Driver's License (TVDL). It is important to note that TVDLs cannot be used for identification purposes.

If a foreign driver's license is in a language other than English, it is recommended to have a certified translation to carry alongside the original license.

Standard driver's license

Illinois has recently passed a law that allows undocumented people to obtain standard driver's licenses. This law will go into effect on July 1, 2024, and will replace the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). The new standard license will be the same as the one issued to Illinois drivers who do not meet the federal REAL ID license requirements. It will be marked "Federal Limits Apply" and will not be accepted as a REAL ID for boarding a plane or entering federal buildings.

To obtain a standard driver's license in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:

• Pass the required visual, written, and road tests.
• Provide proof of insurance.
• Prove that you have been living in Illinois for at least one year.
• Provide a valid passport from your country of citizenship or a consular identification document.
• Pay the application fee.

The standard driver's license is valid for four years. It is important to note that this license cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a flight or entering federal buildings. However, it can be used for other purposes such as picking up prescriptions, signing up for school programs, accessing medical services, and using financial services.

For immigrants with refugee or asylum status, they will be able to obtain a Limited Term REAL ID-compliant driver's license starting July 1, 2024. This license will allow them to board a flight and enter federal buildings. To obtain this license, they must pass the required tests, provide proof of insurance and Illinois residency, and provide documentation of their legal status issued by Homeland Security.

REAL ID application

Illinois residents who fly domestically will need to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office by May 7, 2025. The REAL ID application process is outlined below:

Step 1: Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility

At the facility, you will need to take your photo and any required exams. All applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. If your name has changed, you will need to provide name change documents, such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate. Multiple name change documents will be required if your name has changed multiple times.

Step 2: Provide Proof of Full Social Security Number (SSN)

You will need to bring documents that show your full SSN, such as an SSN card, a W-2, or a pay stub with your full SSN.

Step 3: Provide Two Current Residency Documents

You will need to provide two current residency documents with your name on them, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title, or bank statement. Account numbers must be visible on these documents.

Step 4: Provide Proof of Signature

Acceptable forms of proof of signature include a credit/debit card, a canceled check, or a current Illinois driver's license or ID.

Step 5: Receive a Temporary Paper DL/ID

Please note that the TSA and federal agents will not accept this paper document.

Step 6: Wait for Review and Verification of Documents

After the necessary reviews and verifications have been conducted, you will receive your new permanent REAL ID card in the mail within 15 business days.

It is important to note that the fees for a standard driver's license or ID and a REAL ID are the same. Additionally, if you have recently renewed your license or if your license does not expire for more than a year, you may apply for a REAL ID and pay a $5 corrected fee. Your REAL ID will have the same expiration date as your original license.

Frequently asked questions