Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights at any airport in the US. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Illinois is issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, which can be obtained by providing a full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. REAL ID-compliant cards will have specific markings on the upper top portion of the card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can an Illinois identification card be used at the airport? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. |
| REAL ID-compliant forms of identification | State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential |
| Deadline for REAL ID-compliance | May 7, 2025 |
| Consequences of not having REAL ID-compliant identification | Longer wait times, additional screening, or being denied boarding for domestic flights |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois REAL ID cards
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
Illinois residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or card from their state DMV offices. These REAL IDs are acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, along with other documents like a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more. It is important to note that temporary paper slips or temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification.
While the REAL ID is now mandatory for domestic flights, travelers without one may still be able to fly. They will, however, be subject to additional screening methods and longer wait times. They may also be directed to a separate area and asked to complete an identity verification process.
To avoid any delays or complications, it is recommended that travelers check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling and ensure they have the necessary documentation. This list can be found on the TSA website, and travelers can also check with their state department of motor vehicles for REAL ID compliance.
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REAL ID requirements at airports
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers who want to board domestic flights must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- Other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. It is important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not an acceptable form of identification.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask for additional information, such as your name and current address, to confirm your identity.
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
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REAL ID alternatives
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers travelling from Illinois must present a REAL ID-compliant Illinois identification card, or another acceptable form of ID, to board a commercial aircraft.
The TSA strongly encourages passengers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling, as the list is subject to change without notice. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a black or gold star, a black or gold bear, or the words "Enhanced Driver License" or "Enhanced ID". If your Illinois identification card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for air travel.
There are several REAL ID alternatives that can be used at the airport. These include:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). These are issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, and can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and some forms of ID, such as temporary driver's licenses, are not accepted. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
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REAL ID application process
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or valid U.S. passport will be required to board a domestic commercial aircraft. State-issued IDs and driver's licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Illinois residents are being encouraged to apply for a REAL ID early to avoid a last-minute rush.
To apply for a REAL ID in Illinois, you must submit the following documents:
Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status:
- Original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766
- Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551
- Unexpired foreign passport with affixed visa and approved Form I-94
Proof of full Social Security number (SSN):
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt bearing your name and full SSN
- SSA-1099 Form
- Non-SSA-1099 Form
Two residency documents:
- Utility bill
- Rental agreement
- Mortgage bill
- Medical document
If you are renewing a person with a disability ID card and want to switch to a REAL ID, you must submit a new Application for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card. This form must be completed by a physician and dated within the last three months. Free state ID cards valid for 10 years are available for persons with disabilities.
Upon submitting the required documents, you will receive a temporary secure paper document called a Temporary Driver's License (DL), Temporary State Identification (ID) Card, or Temporary CLP. This document will serve as proof of identification and contain a photo and basic information. After fraud checks, a higher-quality, more secure DL/state ID will be printed and sent via U.S. mail within 15 business days to the applicant's address.
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REAL ID cost
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
REAL IDs are available in Illinois and can be obtained by visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility. The fee for a REAL ID in Illinois is $30, the same as a regular driver's license and ID card. However, there is a surcharge if you are paying with a card. If your current ID does not need to be renewed, there is a $5 change fee to get a REAL ID.
The cost of a REAL ID varies in different states. In Mississippi, a REAL ID driver’s license costs $24, while in Pennsylvania, the standard licensing renewal fee of $39.50 plus an additional one-time $30 fee is required to obtain a REAL ID. In Alabama, the fee for a Star ID, the state's version of a REAL ID, is $36.25. In Alaska, it costs $40 to renew or obtain a new non-commercial REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, while commercial driver’s licenses cost $120. REAL ID-compliant state identification cards in Alaska cost $20-35, depending on the person’s age.
In some cases, qualified people can get their driver’s license or state ID for free or at a discounted rate. For example, active members of the armed forces, homeless individuals, and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts. Individuals over the age of 65 can obtain a state photo ID for free.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification is required to board domestic flights in the US.
The TSA accepts the following REAL ID-compliant forms of identification:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Yes, as long as it is REAL ID-compliant. Illinois issues REAL ID-compliant identification cards and driver's licenses.
