Update: REAL ID deadline extended

Update: REAL ID deadline extended

Update: REAL ID deadline extended

  • Posted by Barrington Hills
  • On December 6, 2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.

Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.  

For the full press release, visit REAL ID deadline date extended.

Posted November 22, 2022: For Illinois residents who fly domestically,  the federal government has extended the deadline to May 3, 2023 that will require you to use a valid U.S. Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Take time to know your options.

For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, please visit the TSA website.

To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. Come prepared and be patient when visiting a Driver Services Facility.

All Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities (Diversey, Lockport, Orland Township, Rockford Auburn St. and Roscoe). To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.

For more information, visit realid.ilsos.gov.