REAL ID deadline is May 7. Here’s what you need to know.

With the May 7 REAL ID deadline approaching, Chicagoans are making appointments at local DMVs and supercenters to get their REAL ID – which will be required to board domestic flights next month and enter military bases or federal courthouses. But not everyone needs one.

Amid uncertainties and questions raised by immigrant communities about the REAL ID, Borderless Magazine put together a guide to help you understand what it is, where it’s needed, who’s eligible for it and what you need to apply for it.

Here’s what you should know.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or ID card and a federally accepted form of identification. The cards have a star in the upper-right-hand corner.

When will the REAL ID requirement be enforced?

Starting on May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID or a passport to board a commercial aircraft and access certain federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses.

Green Card holders can fly within the U.S. with their valid permanent resident card or passport from their country of origin. An Employment Authorization Card is not a substitute for a REAL ID.

Who can get a REAL ID?

You must have lawful U.S. immigration status and a Social Security Number to get a Real ID. Qualified individuals include people who:

• Are U.S. citizens
• Are permanent residents, such as Green Card holders
• Have temporary legal status, such as DACA holders
• Have Temporary Protected Status, such as TPS holders
• Have a valid student or employment visa

You can get either a REAL ID driver’s license or an ID card, not both.

Do I need a REAL ID?

The federal government does not require individuals with a valid passport, a permanent resident card, or anyone under 18 to get a REAL ID card to board a commercial aircraft or enter impacted federal facilities.

What if I’m not eligible to apply for a REAL ID? 

If you are ineligible for a REAL ID, such as people without a Social Security Number or legal status, the National Immigration Law Center recommends that you “seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney before traveling by air.” According to TSA’s website, you can still travel as long as you provide other documents like a border crossing card or a foreign government-issued passport.

What do I need to apply for a REAL ID?

To apply for REAL IDs, you need:

• A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you’ve changed your name, you must provide name change documents.
• Proof of a full Social Security number. Examples include a Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with your whole SSN.
• Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title, or bank statement.
• Proof of your signature. Examples include a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.

Note: Individuals born in Puerto Rico may provide a U.S. passport or passport card or a Puerto Rican birth certificate issued after Nov. 1, 2010. Illinois residents can access a checklist online to ensure they have everything before getting a REAL ID.

How much does it cost, and where do I get it? 

A REAL ID costs the same as a driver’s license or ID card. To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must visit an Illinois DMV in person and bring all the required documents.

The Secretary of State’s office also opened a REAL ID Supercenter in Chicago’s Loop and launched REAL ID Saturdays, offering weekend hours statewide through May 10.

You can find more information on how to make an appointment and how to locate a nearby DMV on this multilingual site.

Fatema Hosseini is a Roy W. Howard Investigative Reporting fellow covering immigrant communities for Borderless Magazine. Send her an email at [email protected].