A small icon on your ID will soon be a big factor in determining whether or not you can fly domestically.
Beginning May 3, 2023, anyone 18 years old and above will be required to present one of two different forms of identification in order to fly domestically or visit a federal facility: either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or a valid U.S. passport or a passport card.
According to the Department of Homeland Services, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, "establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards."
Designated by a star and surrounding gold circle in the top right hand corner of an Illinois driver's license or state ID, REAL IDs are being issued in all 50 states, with stronger security standards than a simple driver's license.
REAL IDs, the DHS says, will specifically be needed for the following purposes:
If you don't currently have a REAL ID, you might not need one. According to the state, you do not need a REAL ID if:
You do, however, need a REAL ID, the state says, if:
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Those wishing to get a REAL ID while renewing their Illinois driver's license can do so, but must first fill out a REAL ID application at a Secretary of State Drivers Services facility and provide documents that prove their identity, their Social Security number, a written signature and two documents that show proof of residency.
The following are acceptable documents to prove identity:
To provide proof of their Social Security number, residents can show their Social Security card or a W-2. A pay stub with a Social Security number on it will also be accepted.