REAL ID 2026 — Esto es lo que debes saber antes de viajar

Illinois residents must use their REAL IDs to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after federal requirements took effect last year.  

With travel season just weeks away, Borderless Magazine compiled a guide to what you need to know about the REAL ID and how it’s required for boarding flights. 

What is a REAL ID — and what does the law require?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was intended to establish minimum security standards to enhance national security and curb identity fraud. REAL IDs are state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards with a small gold star in the top right corner. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has required REAL IDs for travelers to pass airport security checkpoints before boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities since May 2025.

Those attempting to travel domestically without a REAL ID could face a $45 fee, as of Feb. 1, 2026, according to the TSA.

“One can still use a passport for these purposes if you have not secured a REAL ID,” said Ed Yohnka, director of communication and public policy at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Illinois.

¿Quién puede obtener una REAL ID?

Applicants must have lawful U.S. immigration status and a Social Security number (SSN) to get a REAL ID. Those who qualify are people who:

• are U.S. citizens,

• are permanent residents, such as Green Card holders,

• have temporary legal status, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) holders,

• have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• and have a valid student or employment visa.

Tanya Broder, senior counsel of health and economic justice policy at the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), said that anyone planning to travel by air should consult the updated TSA list of acceptable identification.

“Given the increase in information sharing between various federal agencies, including TSA, noncitizens, particularly those whose status is uncertain or who have other risk factors, may face some risk of arrests at U.S. airports,” Broder said.

She recommends that anyone with concerns about traveling consult an immigration attorney before their flight.

How do I get a REAL ID?

To get a REAL ID in Illinois, you must provide:

• One document showing proof of identity, date of birth and U.S. citizenship or lawful status. Examples include a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.

• One document with a full SSN, which includes a Social Security card, W-2 with full SSN or the most recent pay stub.

• Two documents proving residency and listing your full address, like a bank statement or a canceled check dated within 90 days of the application,

• One document to verify a written signature, like a U.S. or foreign passport, Social Security card or mortgage.

Ensure all documents are valid and original hard copies. Both a REAL ID driver’s license and a REAL ID identification card cannot be held at the same time.

Documents can be taken to Chicago’s REAL ID Supercenter at 191 N. Clark St., open for walk-in only from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Otherwise, any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can also deliver REAL IDs. Find the nearest DMV aquí.

What if I do not have a REAL ID?

If a traveler does not have a REAL ID, they can also use another form of acceptable ID, such as a valid passport. Alternatively, they can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID, which would allow TSA to attempt to verify the traveler’s identity and begin the airport security screening process.

TSA ConfirmID can be completed prior to travel aquí.

Tara Mobasher es reportera y redactora del boletín de Borderless Magazine. Envía un correo electrónico a Tara a [email protected]