Illinois is among 14 states that received a year-long extension to comply with stricter federal requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards. The extension means Illinois now has until Oct. 10, 2017 to comply with the 2005 Real ID act. It imposes tougher requirements for proof of legal U.S. residency in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says the state is now 84% compliant with the federal mandate. That happened when Illinois implemented mailing identification cards after officials vet an applicant's identity. People receive a temporary paper ID or license while waiting for a permanent one in the mail.
Illinois' progress toward compliance means residents' ability to board planes has not been impacted.
