UPDATE on 12 Jan 2016: The official update from the Department of Homeland Security to clarify any rumors. The State of Illinois got another extension until January 22, 2018. That gives you plenty of time to get your passports now.
In case you have not heard the news TSA is in the process of reconsidering what is valid form of identification. For myself and friends in Chicago area this is urgent according to the news article; starting on Sunday January 10th the state of Illinois you may be required to provide an alternative government approved identification. The word straight from Department of Homeland Security is that passengers will be notified in advance so we are getting mixed messages here.
I personally always travel with my passport as identification partially because one never knows where a trip may end up taking you. : )
My advice folks is bring your passport to the airport for security to be safe. If you don’t have have a passport; what the heck are you waiting for? Get off the couch and get one!
Seek your adventure!
Good day especially admin 1girlwhotravels.com.
Useful materials you have now is a rarity!
Thanks so glad you found the information helpful!
Does this mean because Illinois is non-compliant that an alternative form of ID is required at airports when flying within the US? I find the concept of REAL-ID a little confusing. I guess my main question is if I am traveling within the US and have a driver’s license from IL, what happens? How does this impact me? Illinois is non-compliant, one of the few that isn’t from what I see on the homeland security website.
In the final hours before the new TSA rules took affect Homeland Security gave an extension. You will be able to utilize Illinois drivers license as a form of id for travel until January 2018. However my advice would be always travel with your passport as it provides a standard accepted around the world.
Don’t have a passport now is the time to get one because it is now required for travel to Canada and Mexico or anywhere else you may want to go : )