REAL ID DEADLINE 4/10/25 With
less than 30 days left until the REAL ID enforcement date takes effect on May 7th,
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about
REAL IDs as many scramble to get one. Giannoulias
said “The federal REAL ID rollout has caused a great deal of confusion across
the country, including here in Illinois. We're monitoring REAL ID demand and
adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the unprecedented surge.” Giannoulias
noted if you’re not traveling after May 7th, you probably don’t need
a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias
advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to
avoid waits at facilities. He added that the May 7th “deadline”
isn’t really a deadline. On May 7th, Americans will need a REAL ID
compliant driver's license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic
flight; however, DMVs will continue to issue REAL IDs after May 7th. The
primary reason for Illinoisans over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is to fly
domestically on a commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such
as a military base or federal courthouse, as of May 7th. Individuals
who have a valid US passport, a passport issued by another country or a
permanent resident card, and those under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID. Illinois
residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they
have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.