It's perfectly understandable if you're asking yourself "Just how long have we all been talking about the switchover to Real ID in the state of Illinois?"

If it seems like years and years at this point, it might be because it's been years and years at this point.

Maybe you didn't realize it, but the topic and discussion of REAL ID and when to implement it has been going on since May of 2005. That was when President Bush signed the REAL ID Act into law. Its purpose was and is to enhance US travel requirements by establishing minimum security standards for driver's licenses and state ID cards.

The problem is that we can't seem to set a deadline for compliance here in Illinois, or anywhere else in the country. And, does compliance mean getting a Real ID when your license hasn't expired yet?

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Did you notice the date on the table sign? (Getty Images)
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Since Being Signed Into Law In 2005, The REAL ID Deadline Has Been Extended Several Times, With The Last Three Extensions Being Caused By The Pandemic And Its Aftermath

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
  • (and maybe) 2025

Keep in mind that the state of Illinois had nothing to do with the previous delays, and it won't be Illinois' fault if we get another deadline extension.

Under the rules of the REAL ID Act of 2005, US travelers will need an updated driver's license, ID card, or provide other documentation before they can board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings. Currently, the deadline for enforcement next May has not changed, but there's every chance it might.

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To Understand Why There May Be Another Real ID Delay, You Have To Know What MDLs Are

mDLs are mobile driver's licenses, or digitized versions of the information on physical driver’s licenses and identification cards, that are stored on mobile electronic devices, like your smartphone.

What do mDLs have to do with Real ID and its implementation? It's a little complicated, especially when you have to slog through "government speech" to figure out the details.

Here's the official word from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

The REAL ID Act and regulations prohibit Federal agencies, including TSA, from accepting for REAL ID “official purposes” mDLs that are not REAL ID-compliant when REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.  On October 25, 2024, TSA published amendments to the REAL ID regulations to enable individuals to continue using for official purposes non-compliant mDLs that are issued by States to whom TSA has granted a waiver.  States that seek a waiver must submit an application TSA.

From now through May 6, 2025, TSA will continue accepting, for official purposes, non-compliant mDLs issued by certain States without a waiver at participating airports. Visit www.tsa.gov/digital-id for a list of eligible states and participating airports.

Currently, Illinois airports do not accept digital IDs. State officials can apply for a temporary waiver to do so once the final rule goes into effect.

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So, After All Of That Explanation, What's The Bottom Line On Getting A Real ID Before Your Current Illinois License Or ID Expires?

I guess it would totally depend on what kind of lifestyle you lead. Are you a traveler or a home-body?

NBCChicago.com:

"A non-Real ID driver’s license or state ID will remain valid for general identification purposes until the expiration date printed on the license or ID," a spokesman for the Illinois Secretary of State's office said. "However, if the person will be flying domestically on or after May 7th, they will need to present TSA with a Real ID or passport."

According to the Secretary of State's office, a Real ID must be obtained by visiting a DMV via an appointment. Once obtained, a Real ID retains the expiration date from a non-Real ID card, the office said.

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