Why I Finally Got My REAL ID—Even Though I’m Not Sure I Really Need It

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Even if you have a passport, a REAL ID is easier for everyday use. You don’t want to carry your passport just to fly within the U.S. or visit a federal building. It’s bulky, easy to lose, and harder to replace. A REAL ID fits in your wallet and works right away. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need one for domestic flights and most federal buildings. Get it before you need it—so you’re not stuck or scrambling at the last minute.

Table of Contents

• What Is the REAL ID and Why Now?
• I Didn’t Need It—But I Got One Anyway
• It Solved Another Problem, Too
• As a Black Woman, It Matters Even More
• What I Needed in Illinois
• One Unexpected Setback
• Final Thoughts

What Is the REAL ID and Why Now?

Let me spill the tea. Starting next week on May 7, 2025, anyone 18 and older flying within the U.S. must show a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of ID at airport security. A standard driver’s license won’t be enough. You’ll need the gold star in the corner—or carry your passport every time you fly, even for a short domestic trip.

It’s part of a federal effort to make ID cards more secure. The idea came out of the 9/11 Commission. The goal is to make it harder to use fake IDs to board a plane or enter federal buildings.

I Didn’t Need It—But I Got One Anyway

Honestly, it wasn’t urgent for me. I still use my Global Entry card and passport for most trips. But I got tired of switching IDs for different kinds of travel. And I didn’t want to carry my passport just to board a flight to visit family. The REAL ID fits in my wallet. That alone makes it more convenient.

It Solved Another Problem, Too

My driver’s license was still issued in Virginia, even though I no longer lived there. It was set to expire in a year, and Virginia doesn’t allow out-of-state renewals. I didn’t want to fly back just to keep it active. So I got a new Illinois license—and made it a REAL ID while I was at it.

As a Black Woman, It Matters Even More

I’m so over how BIPOC people are being treated in the country where I was born. We rarely receive the benefit of the doubt when trouble arises. And as a Black woman, I think a lot about how I move through public spaces more than ever. I’ve learned the value of having clear, recognizable, and easy-to-verify identification, especially if I come in contact with law enforcement. A REAL ID signals compliance. It eliminates questions. And that can make a real difference in how smoothly an interaction goes.

What I Needed Here in Illinois

Thankfully, getting a REAL ID isn’t hard, but it takes a little preparation and a few documents. I went to the DMV official site, which outlines everything you need to know. Accordingly, I brought:

• Passport (proof of identity)
• Social Security card (proof of SSN)
• Electric bill and bank statement (proof of residency)
• Current license (proof of signature and the ability to opt out of written and driving tests)

I made an appointment and brought originals of everything. The appointment time is a generic “ger in line time.” The woman at the counter checked my documents, took my photo, and processed the application.

Afterward, they punched a hole in my old license and gave me a temporary paper one while I waited a couple of weeks for the new REAL ID to be mailed to me. The total cost was $30, which covered both the license renewal and the REAL ID upgrade.

One Unexpected Setback

Using the paper ID wasn’t a problem—until it was time to file our income taxes. I couldn’t use the temporary license to e-file, so I waited for the permanent card to arrive, but even then, it wouldn’t go through.

That’s when I learned something surprising. If it’s your first year with a new Illinois driver’s license, the system won’t allow you to file your taxes electronically. You have to wait until the second year to use e-filing. We had to mail in our return. It’s been three months, and we’re still waiting for a paper check.

Final Thoughts

Every state has different rules. If you live in Illinois, visit realid.ilsos.gov to see your needs. For the federal list of accepted TSA IDs and other details, go to dhs.gov/real-id.

I didn’t expect to care about the REAL ID. But I’m glad I have it now. It makes domestic travel easier. It keeps me from relying on my passport. And it adds one more layer of protection. If I ever need to show ID, I know I have something quick to verify, federally accepted, and avoids delays—even when I’m not at the airport.

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