![Illinoisans Will Need ‘REAL ID’ To Fly In 2020](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2019/03/gettyimages-928115788-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Illinoisans Will Need ‘REAL ID’ To Fly In 2020
The REAL ID can be used for domestic flights or to enter federal facilities, but you don't have to get one if you'd rather use your passport.
If you use your driver's license to board airplanes, changes are ahead. In October 2020, the federal "REAL ID" program will take effect. At that point, Homeland Security will look for a gold star in the top right hand corner of your license. Without it, you will need to show your passport, even for domestic flights.
Your current Illinois driver's license or ID card (DL/ID) will be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until Oct. 1, 2020. Beginning spring 2019, we are providing you with the choice either to obtain a REAL ID card or to keep a standard card. Take time to know your options.
Fees for a standard DL/ID and REAL ID DL/ID are the same.
You won't 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 will 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.
More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM
![Illinois Is Giving You Yet Another License Renewal Extension](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2022/07/attachment-gettyimages-1391522852-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The One Thing Illinois Travelers Must Do When An Airline Cancels Their Flight](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2022/07/attachment-Untitled-design-29.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Another Reason To Hate Chicago’s O’Hare: TSA Wait Times Are Huge](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2022/06/attachment-gettyimages-578207225-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Take A Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Ride Above This Illinois Town](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2022/03/attachment-galena-on-the-fly.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Flying Out Of Illinois? Here’s What You Need To Know About Masking](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2022/03/attachment-gettyimages-1216359467-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Time To Update? Illinois DMV Urges Online Sticker Renewal](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2022/02/attachment-gettyimages-144070378-594x594-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois DMV Adds Another Week Of COVID Closures](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2022/01/attachment-gettyimages-144070374-594x594-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rockford Drivers License Facility Says “Make An Appointment”](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2021/11/attachment-gettyimages-84144996-594x594.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2,700 Illinois Drivers Suspended By New Insurance Verification System](http://townsquare.media/site/671/files/2021/09/attachment-gettyimages-1142001417-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)