With changes on the horizon next year that will require a REAL ID or passport in order to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, many are wondering what forms of identification they need to make sure they have one of the two. Show
Starting in May 2023, a standard Illinois driver's license or state ID will no longer be valid to board domestic flights or to enter secure federal buildings. While the Illinois REAL ID will be required, a U.S. passport or passport card remains valid for both boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. So what do Illinoisans need in order to get their REAL IDs or passports in time? Here's what we know: Get Chicago local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Chicago newsletters. How Do I Get a REAL ID?In order to get a REAL ID, a REAL ID application must be filled out at a Secretary of State's office alongside five forms of documentation that prove identity. The application must be completed in person. According to the Secretary of State's office, here's exactly what you need:
A list of other examples of documents that prove identity is detailed here. Hard copy documents are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. Local Chicago Forecast 3 hours ago Snow Predictions: What to Expect and When as Winter Storm Eyes Chicago Area This WeekChicago Forecast 3 hours ago United, Southwest, American Offering Flight Change Options Ahead of Chicago SnowstormThe Secretary of State's website offers a way to prepare for what you need ahead of time through the use of an interactive checklist. How Do I Get a Passport?In order to receive a first-time passport, residents must apply in-person at a USPS location and have the necessary documents. Residents hoping to receive a passport must fill out a Form DS-11 application and bring the unsigned forms to a USPS office when applying in-person. A passport photo must also be taken, either at the USPS location or at a pharmacy where passport photo services are offered. A document providing proof of citizenship must also be submitted, with the original copy required in order to be accepted. A photocopy of the document used must also be provided. The following documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, according to the USPS:
A proof of identification is also required, with the original copy and a photocopy both necessary. Here are the acceptable forms of identification:
Alongside the above documents, passport fees are calculated and paid while submitting a completed application at a USPS location. What's a REAL ID and Why Might I Need One?According to the Department of Homeland Services, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, "establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards." The act was originally scheduled to go into effect Oct. 19, 2021. However, due to the COVID pandemic, the deadline was extended to May 3, 2023. On that date, the act will be adopted in all 50 states. What's the Difference Between an Illinois Driver's License and a REAL ID?To the naked eye, the difference is designated by a star and surrounding gold circle in the top right hand corner of an ordinary looking Illinois driver's license. However, to officials, a REAL ID denotes stronger security standards. How Do I Know If I Should Get a REAL ID?Residents are not required to get a REAL ID. However, they may serve as a more convenient form of identification when you travel domestically or visit a federal facility or U.S. military base. For instance, if you ever travel by plane domestically, you might want to consider getting a REAL ID. If you don't have one, beginning May 3, 2023, you'll need to use either a current U.S. Passport or passport card at the airport's TSA security checkpoint. If you're traveling internationally, a REAL ID will not be an acceptable form of identification. In that case, you must use a passport. How Long Does it Take to Get a REAL ID?After filling out a REAL ID application and providing the proper documents, you'll immediately receive a temporary, paper REAL ID. However, that temporary REAL ID will not be an acceptable form of identification if at TSA checkpoints. In order to fly, you'll need a permanent REAL ID, or a U.S. Passport or passport card. A permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days, according to the state. How Much Does a REAL ID Cost?According to the state, the fee for a REAL ID is the same as it is for a standard Illinois driver's license or state ID. That means the cost of either an Illinois driver's license, or a REAL ID complaint driver's license, is $30. The cost of either a state ID, or a REAL ID compliant state ID, is $20. However, the cost may be lower if you already have current, non-expired versions of either. My Illinois Drivers License Isn't Expired. Can I Just Trade That in For a REAL ID?If you recently renewed your driver's license, or it does not expire for at least another year, you may apply for a REAL ID for only $5. Your new REAL ID would then retain the same expiration date as your original license. Residents can also apply for a REAL ID while renewing a driver's license at a Secretary of State Driver's facility. Do I Need a REAL ID if I Have a Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card?If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you may not need a REAL ID, and residents are not required to get one. However, REAL ID's may serve as a more convenient form of identification when you travel domestically or visit a federal facility or U.S. military base. Is there a question you have about obtaining an Illinois REAL ID that we didn't answer here? Email us at [email protected], and we'll see if we can find the answer for you. Do I need a California REAL ID if I have a passport?If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver's license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.
Can a passport card be used to fly in the US?The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights. Use the passport card when entering the United States at land-border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Do not use it for international air travel.
Do I need both the passport book and card?Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity and thus can be used as an alternative form of ID. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary.
How much is an Illinois REAL ID?The fee to get a REAL ID is $30, which is the same as a regular driver's license or ID. If you recently renewed your license or if your license does not expire for over one more year, you can apply for a REAL ID and pay a $5 fee. Your REAL ID expiration date will remain the same as your original license.
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Why get a real id if i have a passport
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