Illinois’ Real ID Deadline Is Wednesday–Here’s What To Know

After years and years of kicking the Real ID can down the road, we're now less than 24 hours away from Illinois' Real ID deadline of Wednesday May 7th, 2025.

Since it was signed into law back in 2005, the Real ID deadline has been extended multiple times, with the last three extensions being courtesy of the pandemic.

However, as you can see, at least 3 of those deadline delays began over 10 years before the pandemic stopped everything in its tracks.

• 2009
• 2011
• 2014
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022
• 2024

It would seem that we are now out of extensions and delays, and that the May 7th deadline is now pretty much written in stone. Let's get to what happens on Wednesday at the deadline.

Here's The Thing: According To Illinois' Secretary Of State Alexi Giannoulias, Most Illinoisans Will Not Need One Before May 7th

The Secretary of State also points out that May 7th is not the final deadline to get a Real ID. Many people have reached out the Secretary of State's office worried that if they don't have their Real ID in hand by the deadline on May 7th they won't be able to get one afterwards.

NBCChicago.com:

"We want Illinoisans to make sure that they truly need a Real ID before coming to a facility" Giannoulias said, touting the state's new Real ID portal. "For instance, it will ask you if you have a U.S. passport, global entry card, or military ID. If you respond yes for any of them, it informs you that you do not need a Real ID. And even if you don't have one of those and you are not flying on a commercial airline on May 7 or in early summer, you also do not need a Real ID. If you've gone through the portal and determined that you need a Real ID, it will present you with DMV walk-in options and let you know how you can schedule an appointment at a facility near you."

Another bit of misinformation working its way through social media is that you won't be able to drive or vote unless you have an Illinois Real ID. That's completely wrong, since Real ID has nothing to do with driving or voting.

Let's Break It Down To Make It Easier On All Of Us Who May Be Wondering What To Do About An Illinois Real ID, And Whether We Need One Or Not

Let's start with the question of who needs one and who doesn't.

You'll need a Real ID if:

• You do NOT have a valid US Passport or Passport card
• You use air travel as a mode of domestic transportation
• You visit military bases or secured Federal facilities

You will NOT need an Illinois Real ID if:

• You have a valid US Passport (you can fly without a Real ID, but not visit military bases or secured Federal facilities)
• You DO NOT use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation
• You DO NOT visit military bases or secured Federal facilities

If you don't have an Illinois Real ID and are planning on flying domestically on May 7th and going forward, you will need to bring your passport or another TSA-approved form of identification when you travel. If you don't, you could risk delays, additional screenings, and/or the possibility of not being allowed to board a flight.