REAL ID required for domestic travel

The Transportation Security Administration began full REAL ID enforcement at airport checkpoints nationwide on May 7, 2025, and travel outlets this week renewed warnings for passengers heading into the 2026 summer travel season. TSA says airline passengers 18 and older must show a REAL ID-compliant state identification card or another acceptable document, such as a passport, at security checkpoints. Borderless, in a May 13 guide aimed at Illinois travelers, urged people to check state Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State offices and apply early if they still need a compliant card. ### Do you need a REAL ID to fly inside the United States right now? May 7, 2025 is the federal enforcement date now in effect for domestic air travel. TSA says anyone 18 or older who plans to board a commercial flight in the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification. DHS says the same standard also applies to access to certain federal facilities. (tsa.gov) A Federal Protective Service guidance document says adults 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant state ID or another acceptable ID to enter most federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025. ### What counts if your driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant? TSA said passports remain an acceptable alternative for domestic flights if a traveler does not have a REAL ID-compliant state card. (tsa.gov) The agency’s April 2025 enforcement notice said passengers who arrive with a non-compliant state-issued identification and no acceptable alternative can face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the checkpoint. (dhs.gov) A REAL ID-compliant card is typically marked by a star, and TSA’s REAL ID readiness page tells travelers to check their state card or use the agency’s state-by-state tool. DHS and TSA both say the requirement applies only to official federal purposes covered by the law, not to other everyday uses of a driver’s license. ### Why are Illinois travelers being told to act early? Borderless said in its May 13 article that Illinois travelers should not wait until the last minute before summer trips to seek a compliant card. (tsa.gov) The publication pointed readers to state offices and application guidance, reflecting the longer lead times that can come with in-person identity document processing. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office says it issues REAL IDs at full-service DMV locations statewide, and its driver services page says the state has 140 DMV offices. (tsa.gov) The office also says secure permanent cards are printed and mailed after identity checks are completed. ### How long does it take to get the Illinois card? Illinois Secretary of State driver services information says a permanent driver’s license or state ID is sent by U.S. mail within 15 business days after the application is processed. (borderlessmag.org) The office says applicants should make sure the mailing address on file is correct and can check card mailing status if the permanent card does not arrive. Illinois also says the old card is returned to the customer at the DMV for air-travel purposes when a temporary credential is issued. (ilsos.gov) The state’s driver services information says DHS will accept the temporary driver’s license or ID together with the expired card to board an aircraft until the permanent card arrives in the mail. ### Where should travelers check before heading to the airport? TSA directs travelers to its REAL ID pages to confirm whether their identification is compliant and to review acceptable alternatives before flying. (ilsos.gov) DHS also maintains REAL ID information explaining the federal rules and the facilities covered by the law. Illinois travelers can check the Secretary of State’s REAL ID and driver services pages for office information and application details before peak summer trips. (ilsos.gov) Borderless published its latest Illinois-focused reminder on May 13, 2026, as the travel season begins. (ilsos.gov) (tsa.gov)