REAL ID extended in Illinois to October 1, 2021

After pressure from the Illinois Secretary of State, along with other state and business leaders from around the country, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the extension of the REAL ID deadline an additional year to October 1, 2021. All current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until October 1, 2021.

As a reminder, REAL IDs are optional for all Illinois residents. All residents will still be able to use a non-real ID compliant Driver’s License or a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) to drive in the state of Illinois. They will also be able to passport instead of a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. and secure entrance into federal buildings.

If you have questions about how your immigration status impacts your ability to obtain a REAL ID in the State of Illinois, contact one of our attorneys.