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 The REAL ID deadline of Oct. 1 has been delayed because of the
rise of coronavirus in the United States.
On March 23, President Donald Trump announced the deadline would be pushed back
because driver services facilities around the country, including in Illinois,
have closed in response to COVID-19.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White days later announced in a press release
that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security “has extended the federal REAL ID
deadline an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021.”
All Illinois Secretary of State facilities are closed through at least April 7
as a result of the pandemic. “Expiration dates for driver’s licenses,
identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and
document filings will be extended 30 days after Driver Services Facilities
reopen,” the Secretary of State’s website states. The site also has a list of
frequently asked questions about the closings and deadlines.
“We are postponing the deadline for compliance with REAL ID requirement at a
time when we are asking Americans to maintain social distancing,” Trump said at
his coronavirus press briefing.
Before they were ordered closed, Illinois Secretary of State facilities had
reported large crowds and long wait times in recent months as residents tried to
upgrade their ID before the Oct. 1 deadline.
In February, acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary Chad Wolf
said two-thirds of Americans still had not gotten their ID upgraded, according
to USA Today.
Here’s what is needed to obtain a federally compliant REAL ID after Illinois
Secretary of State facilities reopen. Additional questions should be directed to
800-252-8980, which is toll-free within Illinois, or by checking the state’s
REAL ID website.
What is the REAL ID and why do I need it?
The REAL ID is a driver’s license or state ID that is compliant with the REAL ID
Act Congress passed in 2005 at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. All
states are required to offer IDs upgraded to the new standard.
The REAL ID will be needed to fly domestically or visit military bases and other
secure federal facilities. If you have a valid passport, you can use it for
identification instead of a REAL ID.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
The Illinois REAL IDs have a star in a gold circle at the top right corner to
show they are federally compliant. You can still get a regular ID, but it will
say “Federal Limits Apply” at the top and you will not be able to use it for the
above-mentioned purposes.
What do I need to do to get one?
The Secretary of State outlines steps and acceptable documents on its website,
but here is a summary.
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Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility after
they reopen, which is tentatively set for April 7.
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Provide a document identifying yourself. Acceptable
documents include:
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Birth certificate (if your current name is
different, a name change document such as a marriage certificate
also is required)
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U.S. passport or passport card
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Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S.
Department of State
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Certificate of citizenship from the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
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Certificate of naturalization
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Employment authorization document
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Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa
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Provide proof of your Social Security number.
This can be done with a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay
stub with the full number on it.
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Provide two current residency documents with
your full name on them. This can include:
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A bank statement or canceled check dated within
90 days of your application
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A credit card statement (Note: Some Secretary
of State employees have told people this is the same as a bank
statement and is not acceptable. However, a credit card
statement is acceptable even if you also are providing a bank
statement from the same place).
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A school report card or certified transcript
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Credit reports from Experian, Equifax or
TransUnion within the past 12 months
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Deed/title, mortgage or rental/lease agreement
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Insurance policy
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Letter on official school letterhead dated
within 90 days of your application
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Medical claim or statement from a private or
public insurance company dated within 90 days of your
application
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Pay stub
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Official mail from the federal, state, county
or local government
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Pension or retirement statement
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Official mail from a college or university
within the past year
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Utility bill within the past 90 days
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Voter registration card
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Provide proof of signature. This can be done
with a credit/debit card, canceled check or current ID.
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Look for your new ID in the mail within 15
business days. You will be given a temporary paper ID when you
leave the facility.
Can I fly with the temporary paper ID?
No, you cannot. Other documentation such as a passport would be
necessary.
What does it cost?
The fee to get a REAL ID when renewing a driver’s license or ID is
the same as a regular renewal: $30. However, there is a surcharge if
you are paying with a card.
What if my current ID doesn’t need to be renewed? Can I still get
a REAL ID?
Yes, you can still apply for the REAL ID but there will be a $5
change fee. If your license does not expire for more than a year,
the REAL ID will still have the same expiration date.
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