Still need a REAL ID? What to know about the upcoming requirements in Illinois

The wait for the long-delayed REAL ID plan may finally be coming to an end next year.

Next May, the federal Department of Homeland Security will require that people have a REAL ID in order to access federal facilities – think military bases – and fly on domestic commercial aircraft.

REAL ID has been in the works for more than 20 years, with numerous delays to the official implementation of the special identification put in place in 2005.

Here's a look at what people should know:

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID came about as a consequence of the commission set up to investigate the causes of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In the commission's final report, published in 2004, they recommended that the federal government set standards for issuing things such as birth certificates, identification cards and driver's licenses, as many of the attackers were able to find some form of U.S. identification in order to board the ill-fated flights.

In February 2005, Congress officially passed the REAL ID Act which required all states to meet federal standards when it came to providing identification to people. It also required states to ensure that anyone looking for identification was in the country lawfully and to verify the information provided to them for identification. In addition, states also had to retain images of source documents and retain paper copies of them for seven years, with digital copies being kept for 10 years.

The program was set to go into effect in 2008, but has been delayed numerous times over the past two decades. Before 2008, 25 states – including Illinois – passed legislation in opposition to REAL ID, claiming that it would represent a "unfunded mandate," wouldn't do much to prevent things like identity theft and would strain Secretary of State offices.

It also had opposition from a unique cross-section of groups – ones that leaned liberal like the American Civil Liberties Union and those that had a more conservative hue, such as the Cato Institute.

As such, DHS delayed implementation of the plan. States could request an extension until the end of 2009, which ended up being pushed to 2011 and then all the way to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic also delayed the implementation another three times.

Now, REAL ID is set to go into effect fully on May 7, 2025, unless there is another delay.

For Illinois, REAL IDs look similar to that of a regular, standard Illinois driver's license, but with one key difference – a gold star in the upper right denoting the special nature of the ID. Standard driver's licenses have a phrase at the top that says "Federal Limits Apply."

How do you get a REAL ID in Illinois?

People can go to their Illinois Secretary of State's facility in order to receive a REAL ID.

The Secretary of State's Office requires that anyone who wants a REAL ID must have proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of their Social Security number, two residency documents – such as a utility bill or rental statement – and proof of a signature.

Other than the extra documents, the process for obtaining a REAL ID is similar to getting a regular driver's license – a series of exams, if needed, and taking a new photo for the card. A temporary paper ID will be provided after the process, with the new ID being sent within 15 days.

How much does it cost for a REAL ID in Illinois?

The fee for a REAL ID in Illinois is $30, the same as the charge for a standard driver's license.

What does it mean if I don't have a REAL ID?

With a REAL ID, one does not need to provide extra paperwork to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility or military base after May 7, 2025. Without one, one would have to show both their driver's license and something like a passport in order to board a plane or enter federal facilities.