MAY 2025 NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES

ILLINOIS—A REAL ID is a driver’s license or ID card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards have a star in the upper-right hand corner-right corner.

Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require every person 18 years and older to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification — like a valid U.S. passport — to board a flight within the U.S. or enter a secure federal building.

REAL ID is Optional!

You DO NOT NEED a REAL ID to:

Drive

Vote

Identify yourself for general identification purposes

Enter a state building or federal building that does not require and ID to enter.

Receive state or federal services

You NEED a REAL ID or valid U.S. Passport to:

Board a commercial aircraft as a mode of domestic transportation

Visit a military bases or secure federal facilities.

How To Get a REAL ID

1. Gather your required documents.

Use the interactive REAL ID document checklist or review the list of Acceptable documents to gather the documents you’ll need to apply for your REAL ID. Keep in mind that:

Documents must be valid

Only original hard copies are accepted

Printed electronic documents can be used (e.g., bank statements)

All account numbers must be clearly visible

No photocopies are allowed

For acceptable documents please visit:

https://realid.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/ex83.pdf

2. Visit a DMV facility or our new Real ID Supercenter

The Supercenter is a walk-in only, non-appointment facility at 191 N. Clark St. in downtown Chicago, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-5:00 pm.

You must apply in person at a DMV facility. Some DMVs require appointments.