Rules of the Road - REAL ID and Driver Services Guidance

Sep 18, 2026

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Guide to improving road safety and understanding Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices, tailored for both first-time applicants and renewing drivers. Explains the federal REAL ID Act deadline extension to May 7, 2025, clarifying when REAL ID or a standard DL/ID is required for domestic flights, military bases, and secure federal facilities. Provides eligibility rules and step-by-step application processes, including documentation, residency proof, Social Security verification, and timelines for receiving standard or REAL ID cards, plus preregistration options.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages116

Reading Time4 h 52 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

Application Process for Standard Driver’s License or ID

REAL ID Driver’s License or ID

PREREGISTRATION - DRIVER'S LICENSE/IDENTIFICATION CARD PREREGISTRATION

2022 ALEXI GIANNOULIAS Secretary of State As your Secretary of State, I am committed to improving road safety to protect the lives and well-being of everyone who uses our roadways. The Rules of the Road is a helpful resource to learn or refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving behaviors. I encourage you to review this book, whether you are applying for adriver’s license for the first time or are a longtime licensed driver seeking to renew your license. Raising the driving public’s awareness on the avoidance of hazardous driving behaviors is critical for Illinois to reduce in traffic fatalities. I also want to highlight an important date change to the federal REAL ID Act. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline to May 7, 2025. This means the federal government will require your driver’s license or ID card (DL/ID) to be REAL ID compliant for use as identification to board domestic flights by May 7, 2025. Our office provides you with a choice because not everyone will need a REAL ID. You decide if you need a REAL ID or standard DL/ID. For more information about the REAL ID program, visit [REALID.ilsos.gov](REALID.ilsos.gov) or call 833-503-4074. Thank you for your interest in reviewing the Rules of the Road. Working together, we can make safer roads a reality and save lives. Alexi Giannoulias Illinois Secretary of State goes into effect May 7, 2025. Your current Illinois driver’s license or ID card (DL/ID) will be accepted at airports until May 7, 2025. We are providing you with the choice either to obtain a REAL ID card orto keep a standard card. Take time to know your options. You DO NOT NEED a REAL ID if: • You have a valid U. S. passport or passport card; or • You do not use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or • You do not visit military bases; or • You do not visit secure federal facilities. You NEED a REAL ID if: • You do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card; AND • You use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or • You visit military bases; or • You visit secure federal facilities. Action Standard REAL ID DL/ID DL/ID Driving (DL only) YES YES | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Using for general identification purposes | YES | YES | | Boarding a domestic flight (U.S.) after May 7, 2025 | NO | YES | | Entering a military base or secure federal facility | NO | YES | For additional information: 833-503-4074 or visit: [REAL](REALID.ilsos.gov)[ID](REALID.ilsos.gov)[.ilsos.gov](REALID.ilsos.gov) Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. January 2023-1-DSD A 112.38 Know your options. Federal Limits Apply Application Process for Standard Driver’s License or ID If your DL/ID is currently valid and not expiring soon, you do not need to do anything. STEP 1: If your DL/ID is expiring soon, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and the required exams. STEP 2: Receive a temporary, secure paper DL/ID at the facility. STEP 3: After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent standard DL/ID will be mailed to you within 15 business days. Fees for a REAL ID and a standard DL/ID are the same. For domestic travel, a U.S. passport or a REAL ID card is acceptable. For international travel, a U.S. passport is necessary. For additional information about passports: npic@state.gov or 877-487-2778 For additional information: 833-503-4074 Make the choice that is right for you. REAL ID Driver’s License or ID STEP 1: Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and take your photo and the required exams. STEP 2: All applicants must provide proof of identity. (Examples are: a U. S. birth certificate, a U. S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. ) *Please note that name change documents, such asa marriage certificate, will be require

FAQs

What is the May 7, 2025 deadline related to REAL ID?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID compliance deadline to May 7, 2025, meaning your driver’s license or ID card (DL/ID) must be REAL ID compliant to be used for identification to board domestic flights after that date.

When do I need a REAL ID instead of a standard DL/ID?

You need a REAL ID if you do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card and you use airplanes for domestic transportation, or if you visit military bases or secure federal facilities. You do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport/passport card or you do not use airplanes, visit military bases, or visit secure federal facilities.

What documents and steps are required to apply for a REAL ID card?

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, take your photo, and complete required exams. Provide proof of identity, proof of a full Social Security number, two current residency documents with your name, and proof of signature. You will receive a temporary secure paper DL/ID at the facility, but it is not accepted by TSA and federal agents; your permanent REAL ID card is mailed within 15 business days after document verification.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Angel