In less than a year's time, an ordinary driver's license will no longer permit U.S. residents to fly within the country.
Starting May 3, 2023, anyone 18 years old and above will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to fly domestically or visit a federal facility. Designated by a star and surrounding gold circle, REAL IDs are being issued in all 50 states.
However, as of late April, only 43% of all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards were compliant, causing the enforcement deadline to be pushed back once again, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
After multiple deadline extensions prompted by the pandemic, the application deadline is drawing near, leading some to wonder which documents are needed to apply and how the overall process works.
To apply for a REAL ID, Illinois residents must visit a Secretary of State Driver 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.