You Need a Real ID, But Only if You Want to Fly

(Undated) — A federal mandate that requires Illinois residents to get a “Real ID” to fly domestically is rapidly approaching. Beginning tomorrow, anyone 18 and older must have a “Real ID” with a gold and white star in the upper right-hand corner of the card to fly. According to Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, to get your “Real ID,” you will need to bring several items with you to the DMV. However, Giannoulias says the vast majority of people don’t need one before tomorrow’s deadline, adding that his office will still be issuing them after May 7th. The Secretary of State says regular driver’s licenses are still valid for driving, and state-issued IDs are still valid as a means of identification. To learn more about the “Real ID” and find a list of required items to get one, visit realid.ilsos.gov.