REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a more secure form of identification created by the 2005 REAL ID Act. The federal act called for an extra layer of verification for everyone boarding U.S. domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities. Enforcement began on May 7, 2025.
Who needs a Real ID?
You need a REAL ID if you:
Are age 18 or older, and
Don’t have a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID card or a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and
Plan to fly on a commercial domestic airliner or plan to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases, prisons, and nuclear power plants.
I don’t have a REAL ID. What other documents can I use at security checkpoints?
You can use the following documents to fly:
Valid U.S. passport or passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards, such as Global Entry
U.S. military ID
Permanent resident card
Foreign government passport
A full list of alternative documents is available at www.tsa.gov.
Who doesn’t need a REAL ID?
You don’t need a REAL ID if you:
Are under age 18, or
Have a valid U.S. passport, or U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID card or a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or
Don’t plan to fly on a commercial domestic airliner or enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases, prisons, and nuclear power plants.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
Look for the small gold star in the top right corner of your driver’s license or state ID. If you see the gold star, you already have a REAL ID.
Can I still drive without a REAL ID?
Yes, a standard driver’s license is all that is required to drive a vehicle in Illinois.
Do I need a REAL ID to vote or to prove my citizenship?
No, you don’t need a REAL ID to vote in Illinois or to prove your citizenship.
Can I apply for both a REAL ID driver’s license and state ID card?
No, you can only have one form of REAL ID per federal law.
How do I get a REAL ID if I have a disability ID card?
If you have 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 3 months.
Download Application for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card
Getting a REAL ID
What do I need to know before applying?
Be prepared. Many customers encounter issues because they don’t have the correct documents when applying for a REAL ID.
To avoid problems, use our checklist to help you gather all the required documents before visiting the DMV.
What do I need to get a REAL ID card?
When you come into the DMV to apply for a REAL ID, you’ll need to bring:
Proof of your identity, date of birth, and U.S. Citizenship or lawful status
Proof of your full Social Security number (SSN)
Two forms of proof of your residency
Verification of your written signature
Keep in Mind!
- All documents must be valid and up to date.
- Only original hard copies will be accepted – no photocopies.
- Printed electronic documents are accepted for proof of residency.
- Account numbers must be clearly visible.
Use our document checklist to make sure you have everything you need before visiting.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to have a REAL ID?
No, if you have lawful status in the U.S. and have an SSN, you can apply for a REAL ID.
This includes:
Permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens (Green Card holders)
Individuals with temporary legal status, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients or those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Holders of valid student or employment visas, so long as they have an SSN
If you have temporary lawful status, your REAL ID card will expire on the same date as your lawful status. To get a new card, you’ll need to present documentation that your lawful status has been extended.
How long are REAL IDs valid?
REAL IDs are valid for the same amount of time as standard driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Typically, driver’s licenses are valid for 4 years, and ID cards are usually valid for 5 years.
How much does a REAL ID cost?
A REAL ID driver’s license or ID card costs the same as a standard license or ID card, but costs vary, depending on your status. For fee information, visit our driver services fees page.
What are the steps to apply for a REAL ID?
Step 1: Gather your required documents.
To help you gather your documents:
Use our REAL ID Checklist
Review the Acceptable Documents List
You’ll need to provide:
One document with your full legal name, date of birth, and citizenship status or lawful status like a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or employment authorization card.
One document with your full Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2 with your full number, or a 1099. (This requirement is waived if you have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID and have previously provided your Social Security card.)
Two documents to prove your Illinois residency, like a bank statement, rental agreement, pay stub, utility bill, or voter registration card.
One document to verify your written signature, like your current non-REAL ID driver’s license, a credit or debit card, a passport, or a canceled check.
What if my name has changed?
If your current legal name is different from the name on your identity documents, such as your birth certificate or passport, you’ll need to connect your birth name to your current name. To do this, you must provide at least one of the following documents:
Certified marriage certificate
Adoption document (showing your legal name post-adoption)
Certified name change document (showing your name before and after the change)
Domestic partnership or civil union document (certification or registration)
Step 2: Visit an Illinois DMV.
Some DMVs require appointments, so check ahead.
Find a DMV
Make an Appointment
When can I expect to receive my REAL ID after applying?
After applying for your REAL ID at the DMV, you’ll receive a temporary paper driver's license or state ID before leaving. Your new REAL ID will be mailed within 15 days. We recommend applying for a REAL ID at least 30 days before any scheduled flight plans.
Can I fly with a temporary driver’s license or state ID until my REAL ID card arrives?
The REAL ID Act requires you to present the laminated card. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a “phased enforcement approach” over a 2-year period, which means travelers can currently pass through TSA checkpoints and board flights. TSA will require you to undergo additional screening measures, so plan to arrive early at the airport.