There have been many questions regarding the upcoming changes to Illinois driver’s licenses involving federal security and the effect it will have on air travel.

DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline

National Press Release

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 7, 2025, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has significantly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity. DHS will publish an interim final rule in the coming days to effectuate this enforcement date change.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

The Department of Homeland Security has addressed some of these questions and created an FAQ revolving around the issue.