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Secretary of State issues REAL ID travel reminder

A comparison of the standard Illinois driver’s license compared to a Real ID. Photos were provided by the Secretary of State’s Office. The documentation needed to get on a flight in the next couple of years is going to change. A standard Illinois ID will no longer be valid by October 2020. At that time, Illinois residents will need a Real ID or a valid U.S. passport to fly domestically.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminds Illinoisans that the federal REAL ID mandate takes effect Oct. 1, 2020.

For Illinois residents who fly domestically, effective Oct. 1, 2020, the federal government will require you to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.

It is important to know the following key points:

- You have a choice. You do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport, military ID or other TSA-acceptable form of identification. These documents will be accepted for domestic air travel. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

- You do not need a REAL ID if you do not fly domestically or visit secure federal facilities.

- However, if you want to apply for a REAL ID, come prepared with the necessary documents.

- Customers are encouraged to visit www.REALID.ilsos.gov and use the interactive document checklist to help ensure they bring the proper documents to the facility, making the process more efficient.