REAL ID Guide For Illinois Residents: Do This Before Oct. 1, 2020

ILLINOIS — If you're an Illinois resident, now's the time to get a "REAL ID" if you plan to fly anywhere in the U.S. on or after Oct. 1, 2020. That's the day TSA will stop accepting your standard driver's license or ID card as identification to board domestic flights, military base entry, or entry to secure federal facilities, according to the Illinois Secretary of State website. Instead, you'll need your REAL ID to do those things.

A REAL ID doesn't look much different from a standard state ID. However, in order to receive one, you have to go to your local secretary of state's office and prove your identity, your state residency, your lawful presence in the country and your Social Security status. Doing this gets you special star icon on your license, which means its REAL ID compliant.

More:

• Illinois Driver's Licenses, ID Cards Still Valid For Flights
• Real ID Act: Illinois To Start Issuing New IDs Next Year

But why do you need the new starred ID? The federal government requires a REAL ID for better security at airports and federal facilities.

People who need a REAL ID:

• Do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card; AND
• Use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or
• Visit military bases; or
• Visit secure federal facilities.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress in 2005 as a way to establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The deadline was set by the Trump administration after the law was opposed by states under George W. Bush and not enforced under Barack Obama.

>> Your checklist for required paperwork to obtain your REAL ID