Yes, you can fly with an Illinois driver's license, but only if it meets federal standards

An Illinois driver's license works for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it as a valid form of identification at airport security checkpoints. However, your license must be a REAL ID-compliant license — a standard Illinois driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID standards may not work, depending on when it was issued and what the current federal requirements are at the time you fly.

The key difference is a small gold or black star in the upper right corner of your license. If your Illinois license has that star, it meets federal standards and TSA will accept it. If it does not have the star, you can still fly domestically, but you will need to bring an additional document — a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally approved ID — along with your driver's license.

For international flights, an Illinois driver's license alone is never enough. You must have a passport or passport card, regardless of whether your license is REAL ID-compliant.

Key Takeaways

  • An Illinois driver's license with a star in the upper right corner meets federal standards and works alone for domestic flights.
  • An Illinois driver's license without the star still works for domestic flights, but you must also bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally approved ID.
  • For international flights, you must have a passport or passport card — your driver's license is not sufficient on its own.
  • You can check whether your license is REAL ID-compliant by looking for the star symbol or by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's office.

How to check if your Illinois license is REAL ID-compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your Illinois driver's license. If there is a gold or black star printed there, your license is REAL ID-compliant and meets federal standards for flying. If there is no star, your license was issued under the older standard and does not meet federal requirements on its own.

If you are unsure or cannot see the star clearly, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services department by phone at 217-782-6900 or visit their website. You can also ask a TSA agent at the airport security checkpoint — they are trained to identify compliant licenses and can tell you whether yours meets the standard.

What to bring if your license is not REAL ID-compliant

If your Illinois driver's license does not have the star, bring it along with one of these documents to the airport security checkpoint:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • A state ID card issued by Illinois or another state
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A permanent resident card (green card)
  • An employment authorization document (EAD)

TSA will accept any one of these documents paired with your driver's license. You do not need to bring multiple documents — one additional form of ID is sufficient. Bring both documents to the checkpoint and present them together when asked.

Renewing your license to get REAL ID compliance

If your Illinois driver's license does not have the star, you can renew it to get a REAL ID-compliant version. When you renew, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Illinois Secretary of State's office has a list of acceptable documents on their website.

You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can do it from home and your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a facility is when ready if you need your license right away, though you may have to wait in line.

The cost of renewal varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. Check the Illinois Secretary of State's website or call 217-782-6900 for current renewal fees.

Flying internationally with an Illinois ID

An Illinois driver's license — even if it is REAL ID-compliant — is not accepted for international flights. You must have a passport or passport card issued by the U.S. State Department. A driver's license is not a travel document and will not get you through customs or immigration.

If you do not have a passport, you can explore for one at a passport acceptance facility. Many post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices accept passport applications. Processing times vary: standard service takes four to six weeks, and expedited service takes two to three weeks. You will need to provide proof of citizenship (usually a birth certificate), proof of identity (your driver's license works for this), and a passport photo.

What happens at TSA security if there is a problem

If you arrive at the airport with an Illinois driver's license that does not meet federal standards and you do not have a backup form of ID, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight.

If this happens, you have a few options: you can go home and get another form of ID if you have time before your flight, you can ask TSA about secondary verification (they may ask you additional questions to confirm your identity), or you can reschedule your flight. Secondary verification is not may provide to work, so it is not a reliable backup plan.

The best approach is to check your license before you leave for the airport. If you do not have the star and you do not have a backup ID, bring one before you go to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly domestically in 2024?

No. You can fly domestically with a non-REAL ID driver's license as long as you also bring another federally approved form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. However, if your license has the REAL ID star, you do not need to bring a second document.

Can I use my Illinois ID card instead of my driver's license?

Yes. An Illinois ID card works the same way as a driver's license for TSA purposes. If it has the REAL ID star, it is sufficient on its own for domestic flights. If it does not have the star, you will need to bring an additional form of ID.

What if my driver's license is expired?

TSA will not accept an expired driver's license, even if it is REAL ID-compliant. You must have a valid, unexpired form of ID. If your license has expired, renew it before you fly, or bring a different valid ID such as a passport or military ID.

Can I fly with just a photo of my driver's license on my phone?

No. TSA requires a physical ID document, not a digital copy or photo. You must bring your actual driver's license or another physical form of ID to the security checkpoint.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID-compliant license in Illinois?

If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew in person at a Driver Services facility, you receive it when ready. Standard mail renewal takes longer — check the Illinois Secretary of State's website for current processing times.