Illinois Real ID costs $30 for a standard five-year card, or $50 for an enhanced driver's license

A Real ID in Illinois is a federally compliant driver's license or ID card that meets security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. The standard Real ID costs $30 and is valid for five years. If you want an enhanced driver's license instead—which also works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean—that costs $50 and is also valid for five years.

These are the only two Real ID options in Illinois. You cannot get a Real ID for longer than five years, and the price does not change based on your age or whether you are renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Real ID in Illinois costs $30 and lasts five years; an enhanced driver's license costs $50 and also lasts five years.
  • You will need a Real ID to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or military ID.
  • Getting a Real ID requires documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency—you cannot do this online or by mail.
  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, and wait times vary by location; some offices require appointments booked weeks in advance.
  • If your current license expires before May 7, 2025, you can renew it as a standard non-Real ID license at no extra cost, but you will need Real ID before flying after that date.

What documents you need to bring to get Real ID in Illinois

The Secretary of State requires you to bring original documents—not copies—that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency. You will need one document from each category.

For identity, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For Illinois residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document from any of these categories, the Secretary of State website lists alternatives, but calling your local office first is faster than guessing.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card as well. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Where to get Real ID and how long it takes

You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Illinois has facilities in most counties, but not all locations offer Real ID appointments. Check the Secretary of State website, enter your ZIP code, and filter for "Real ID" to see which offices near you are currently taking appointments.

Wait times vary widely. Some offices in rural areas have appointments available within days. Offices in Chicago and other large cities often have a wait of three to six weeks. A few offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but these typically have longer in-person waits. Calling the office directly before you visit is the fastest way to learn the current wait and whether you need an appointment.

Once you are seen, the process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your documents, and pay the fee. Your Real ID will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID versus enhanced driver's license: which one to choose

Choose the standard Real ID ($30) if you only need to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Choose the enhanced driver's license ($50) if you also want to cross the land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean without a passport. Both are valid for five years and both meet the federal Real ID requirement.

An enhanced driver's license is not a passport and does not replace one for international air travel. It only works for land and sea borders. If you travel internationally by air, you still need a passport regardless of which license you choose.

What happens if you do not get Real ID before May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, you cannot board a domestic flight with a standard Illinois driver's license or ID card. You will need a Real ID, passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The same rule applies to entering federal buildings.

If you are already booked on a flight after that date and do not have Real ID or an alternative, you will be turned away at the airport. There is no grace period and no exception for people who applied but have not yet received their card. Plan ahead so your Real ID arrives before your travel date.

Renewing Real ID and what it costs

When your Real ID expires after five years, you will renew it the same way you got it: in person at a Secretary of State facility with the same documents. The renewal costs $30 for a standard Real ID or $50 for an enhanced driver's license, the same as the initial cost.

You cannot renew Real ID online or by mail in Illinois, even if your address has not changed. You must visit an office in person and bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current Illinois residency again.

Real ID for people under 21 and senior drivers

Real ID costs the same for everyone: $30 for standard, $50 for enhanced. There is no discount for drivers under 21 or over 65. The five-year validity period is also the same for all ages.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the Secretary of State office. Bring the same documents you would bring as an adult, plus documentation showing the guardian's relationship to you, such as a birth certificate or custody order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Real ID by mail or online?

No. Illinois requires you to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. You cannot explore by mail or online, and no third-party service can do it for you. You must bring original documents and have your photo taken in person.

Do I have to get Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card all work for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You only need Real ID if you want to use your driver's license for these purposes. A standard driver's license will no longer work after May 7, 2025.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. Call your local Secretary of State office to confirm they accept the document you have before you visit.

Can I change my address at the same time I get Real ID?

Yes. You can update your address during your Real ID appointment. Bring a document showing your new Illinois address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

What if my documents are from another state?

You can use out-of-state documents to prove identity and Social Security number, but you must prove Illinois residency with a document dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Illinois, a lease agreement or utility bill in your name is the fastest proof.