Starting May 7, 2025, Illinois residents needed a REAL ID or a valid passport to board domestic flights and enter secure federal buildings. Illinois has also launched optional digital driver’s licenses as of late 2025, and as of July 1, 2024, all residents—regardless of immigration status—can get a standard driver’s license marked “Federal Limits Apply.” REAL IDs are optional but useful for air travel.
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What’s New With Illinois Licenses in 2025?
Illinois has rolled out a series of major changes to its driver’s license and ID system:
REAL ID deadline: The federal government began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025. To fly domestically or access federal buildings, you now need a REAL ID or another approved form of identification (like a passport).
Digital driver’s licenses: Starting in late 2025, Illinois residents have been able to opt into a digital version of their license stored on their smartphone (such as in Apple Wallet). This is optional and not required for driving.
Standard licenses for undocumented residents: As of July 1, 2024, undocumented Illinois residents can now receive standard driver’s licenses. These new licenses replace the older TVDL cards and are marked “Federal Limits Apply” instead of “Not Valid for Identification.”
Central issuance process: You’ll receive a temporary paper license at the DMV, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in 10–15 business days. This process applies to both REAL ID and standard licenses.
What Is a REAL ID and Do You Need One?
A REAL ID is a federally compliant version of your driver’s license or state ID card. It has a gold star in the top-right corner and is accepted by TSA for domestic flights and federal buildings.
You do not need a REAL ID to:
- Drive
- Vote
- Access hospitals or post offices
- Use federal benefits (like Social Security)
- Prove your age for most everyday tasks (e.g., buying alcohol)
You will need a REAL ID (or passport) to:
- Fly domestically starting May 7, 2025
- Enter secure federal buildings with ID screening
If you don’t travel or already use a passport for flying, you may not need a REAL ID at all. Illinois offers an online quiz to help you decide if you need one.
Do You Actually Need a REAL ID? Common Scenarios
The REAL ID requirement can be confusing, so let’s break down real-world situations to help you decide if getting one makes sense for your life.
You probably need a REAL ID if: You fly domestically several times a year for work or family visits and prefer not to carry your passport. A REAL ID lets you use your driver’s license at TSA checkpoints for flights within the United States, making travel more convenient.
You also need a REAL ID if you regularly visit secure federal facilities for work (such as military bases, federal courthouses, or certain government offices that require ID screening). If you don’t currently have a valid passport and don’t plan to get one, a REAL ID is your simplest option for meeting federal identification requirements.
You probably don’t need a REAL ID if: You already have a valid U.S. passport and don’t mind bringing it to the airport when you fly. Passports are accepted by TSA and serve the same function as a REAL ID for domestic flights.
You also don’t need a REAL ID if you rarely or never fly—the standard Illinois driver’s license works perfectly for driving, proving your age, voting, and all other everyday identification needs. Many Illinois residents who drive locally and use their passport for the occasional flight choose to stick with the standard license to avoid the extra documentation requirements.
Special cases: Senior citizens who no longer travel by air can safely skip the REAL ID and renew with a standard license. Parents getting licenses for teenage drivers should consider whether the teen will fly alone in the next few years—if not, a standard license is fine and can always be upgraded later.
If you’re undocumented or don’t have a Social Security number, you can only get a standard license marked “Federal Limits Apply,” which won’t work for flights but is valid for driving. For more information on insurance options for undocumented residents, specialized resources are available.
REAL ID Rules for Flying + Federal Buildings (What Changed After May 7, 2025)
As of May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline went into effect across the United States, including at all Illinois airports. Here’s what actually changed and what it means for travelers and federal building visitors in 2026.
At airports (TSA checkpoints): Since May 7, 2025, TSA officers at O’Hare, Midway, and all other U.S. airports no longer accept standard state driver’s licenses or ID cards that lack the REAL ID gold star for domestic flights. If you show up to the airport with an Illinois license that says “Federal Limits Apply” or an older license without the star, you will not be allowed through security unless you have an alternative acceptable ID.
Acceptable alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), or permanent resident card. If you forget your REAL ID and don’t have any backup, you may be able to go through additional identity verification, but this process takes extra time and is not guaranteed—it’s much safer to bring proper ID.
At federal facilities: Federal buildings with security screening (such as military bases, some federal courthouses, nuclear power plants, and certain government offices) now require REAL ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative like a passport.
This change primarily affects people who work at or regularly visit these facilities. Most everyday federal locations like post offices, Social Security offices, and VA hospitals do not have security screening and still accept standard licenses for routine business.
What didn’t change: Standard Illinois driver’s licenses (including those marked “Federal Limits Apply”) are still perfectly valid for driving, buying age-restricted products, voting, opening bank accounts, and nearly all other everyday uses.
The REAL ID enforcement only affects air travel and high-security federal buildings. You also don’t need a REAL ID to travel internationally—a passport is required for that and will continue to be regardless of your driver’s license type. For questions about DMV processes and what to expect, Illinois-specific guides are available.
REAL ID vs. Standard License: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | REAL ID | Standard License |
| Accepted at TSA for flights | Yes | No |
| Can be used to drive | Yes | Yes |
| Can be used as everyday ID | Yes | Yes |
| Requires extra documentation | Yes | No |
| Available to undocumented residents | No | Yes |
Checklist Table (Print-Friendly): What to Bring
Use this table to prepare for your REAL ID appointment. All documents must be originals or certified copies—no photocopies, screenshots, or digital versions.
| Category | You Need | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | 1 document | U.S. birth certificate (certified copy with raised seal), valid U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, valid foreign passport with I-94 or visa |
| Proof of Social Security Number | 1 document | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, pay stub showing full SSN (not last 4 digits) |
| Proof of Illinois Residency | 2 documents (must show current Illinois address) | Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable), bank or credit card statement, mortgage or lease agreement, vehicle registration, Illinois vehicle insurance card, property tax bill (all dated within last 90 days) |
| Proof of Signature | 1 document | Current driver’s license, state ID, credit/debit card with signature, signed tax return, signed lease or mortgage document |
Important notes: If your current name doesn’t match the name on your identity documents (birth certificate or passport), you’ll need additional proof of legal name change—see the name change section below. Illinois residents without a Social Security number cannot get a REAL ID but can get a standard license. If you’re renewing and already have a REAL ID, you may not need to bring all documents again, but it’s safer to have them just in case.
REAL ID If Your Name Changed (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order)
If your current legal name doesn’t match the name on your birth certificate or other identity documents, you’ll need to bring proof of your legal name change when applying for a REAL ID. This is one of the most common issues people encounter during the application process.
Marriage: If you changed your name when you got married, bring your certified marriage certificate (the official document with a raised seal, not a photocopy or commemorative certificate). The marriage certificate should clearly show your previous name and your spouse’s name. This document bridges the gap between your birth certificate (showing your birth name) and your current name.
If you’ve been married multiple times and changed your name with each marriage, you’ll need to bring all marriage certificates in chronological order to show the name change chain.
Divorce: If you reverted to your maiden name or a previous name after divorce, bring your certified divorce decree or court order that authorized the name change. The document must explicitly state your name change—not all divorce decrees include this, so check your paperwork carefully. If your divorce decree doesn’t mention a name change, you may need to obtain a separate court order for the name change.
Legal name change (court order): If you legally changed your name through a court process (for example, for personal reasons or gender transition), bring the certified court order approving the name change. This is a legal document from a court showing your previous name and your new name. Make sure you have the official certified copy with a court seal, not just a regular photocopy.
Multiple name changes: If you’ve changed your name more than once (such as marriage, then divorce, then remarriage), you must bring documentation for each name change in order.
For example, if your birth certificate says “Jane Smith,” you married and became “Jane Johnson,” divorced and went back to “Jane Smith,” then married again and became “Jane Williams,” you’d need both marriage certificates and the divorce decree to show the complete chain of name changes. The DMV needs to be able to trace your current name all the way back to your birth name through official documents.
How to Apply for a REAL ID
- Decide if you need one: Only get a REAL ID if you plan to fly or enter federal buildings regularly.
- Gather your documents: Use the Illinois Secretary of State’s checklist to prepare.
- Visit a DMV in person: Appointments are encouraged. Some locations, like the Chicago Real ID Supercenter, accept walk-ins.
- Submit your application: DMV staff will review your documents and take your photo.
- Receive a temporary license: You’ll get a paper ID valid for 90 days and keep your old ID with a hole punch.
- Wait for your license by mail: Your REAL ID will arrive in 10–15 business days.
How Much Does a REAL ID Cost?
- REAL ID cost: $30 (same as a standard license)
- Duplicate fee (if not renewing): $5
- State ID (non-driver): $20
- Discounts available: Seniors, veterans, and certain income-qualified residents may qualify for reduced or waived fees
There’s no surcharge for getting the gold star version. If you apply early (before your renewal date), you just pay the duplicate fee.
What to Expect at the DMV
Lines were especially long leading up to the May 2025 deadline, though traffic has normalized somewhat in 2026. Still, be prepared for wait times, especially at busy locations and times.
- You will not receive your plastic license on the same day
- A temporary paper license (valid for driving and ID) is issued on-site
- Your final license will arrive by mail in about two weeks
- Bring your hole-punched old ID with you when flying until the new one arrives
Can Undocumented Residents Still Get a License?
Yes. As of July 1, 2024, Illinois now allows non-citizens—including undocumented immigrants—to obtain a standard driver’s license without a Social Security number.
These licenses:
- Are valid for driving and everyday identification
- Say “Federal Limits Apply”
- Are not accepted for air travel or federal building entry
- Are valid for 4 years and renewable
The old TVDL program has ended. All residents now receive a standard Class D license with or without REAL ID.
Digital Illinois Driver’s Licenses: What to Expect in 2026
Illinois launched its digital driver’s license program in late 2025, allowing residents to store a mobile version of their license on their smartphone. Here’s what you need to know about this optional feature in 2026.
What it is: The Illinois digital driver’s license (mDL) is a secure, state-verified digital version of your physical license that you can store in apps like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. It uses encrypted technology and requires biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint) to access, making it more secure than simply taking a photo of your license.
The digital version displays the same information as your physical card, including your photo, name, address, license number, and expiration date. You can choose to show all information or selectively share only what’s needed (for example, just proving you’re over 21 without showing your full address).
How to get it: If you have a current Illinois REAL ID or standard driver’s license issued through the central issuance system (which includes all licenses issued since the system launched), you can enroll in the digital license program through the Illinois Secretary of State’s mobile app.
The enrollment process involves verifying your identity through the app, taking a selfie for facial recognition verification, and securely linking your physical license to your digital wallet. The setup takes about 5-10 minutes and doesn’t require a DMV visit. Your physical license remains valid and should still be carried—the digital version is supplemental, not a replacement.
Where you can use it (and where you can’t): As of 2026, digital licenses are accepted at an increasing number of Illinois businesses, retailers, and traffic stops when officers ask for identification. Some TSA checkpoints at select airports across the country are beginning to accept mobile driver’s licenses, though this is still rolling out and not available everywhere.
However, you should still carry your physical license, especially for flying, as not all TSA checkpoints accept digital IDs yet, and some situations (like rental car agencies, hotels, or out-of-state travel) may require the physical card. The digital license is optional and meant to be a convenient backup or addition to your physical license, not a complete replacement. Think of it as a digital copy that works in many situations but won’t work everywhere just yet.
Should You Get a REAL ID or Just Use a Passport?
If you already have a valid U.S. passport and don’t mind bringing it to the airport, you may not need a REAL ID.
However, a REAL ID is convenient if you want to use your license to fly within the U.S. without carrying a passport.
Either option will work after May 7, 2025—you just need one or the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a REAL ID and a passport?
A: No. One or the other is enough for flying domestically. REAL ID is easier for travel within the U.S., while a passport is required for international travel.
Q: How long does it take to get a REAL ID?
A: You’ll get a temporary paper license at the DMV, and the REAL ID card will be mailed in about 10–15 business days.
Q: What happens if I don’t get a REAL ID by May 7, 2025?
A: You won’t be able to fly domestically with just your standard driver’s license. You’ll need to show a valid passport or another TSA-approved ID. As of 2026, this deadline has passed, so if you’re flying without a REAL ID, make sure you bring your passport.
Q: Can I use my temporary license to fly?
A: Yes, but only with your hole-punched old license. TSA requires both the paper temp and the voided old ID.
Q: Is the REAL ID process the same for everyone?
A: Mostly yes, but undocumented residents and those without an SSN can only get a standard license marked “Federal Limits Apply.”
Q: Will I need to bring all these documents again next time I renew?
A: Not always, but if you renew in person after several years or if federal rules change, you may be asked to reverify your information.
Q: Do I automatically get a REAL ID when I renew?
A: No, you must specifically request a REAL ID and bring the required documents. If you renew online or don’t provide the extra documentation, you’ll receive a standard license.
Q: Do I need an appointment for an Illinois REAL ID?
A: Appointments are strongly recommended but not always required. Some Illinois DMV facilities accept walk-ins, though wait times can be long without an appointment.
Q: How much does a REAL ID cost in Illinois?
A: A REAL ID costs $30 for a driver’s license renewal (same price as a standard license). If you’re getting it early before your renewal date, there’s an additional $5 duplicate fee.
Q: What documents prove residency for REAL ID in Illinois?
A: You need two proofs of Illinois residency dated within the last 90 days, such as utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, vehicle registration, or property tax bills.
Need Help or Car Insurance for Your New Illinois License?
Call Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060 or get a free quote online in just 2 minutes. We help Illinois drivers with all license types—including standard, REAL ID, and new non-SSN licenses—get affordable, legal auto insurance. Whether you’re upgrading your ID, buying a car, or need SR-22 coverage, we’re here to help you drive with confidence.