SPRINGFIELD—A plan to update driver’s license services in Illinois to follow federal ID rules was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., a Chicago Democrat, sponsored the plan, which puts in place the REAL ID standards established by the federal government. Adopting the plan would prevent major travel difficulties for Illinoisans, as air travel security standards are set to mandate REAL ID standards for IDs.

“Updating Illinois IDs to REAL ID standards will prevent confusion and, more importantly, help to protect the people of Illinois as they travel,” Sims said. “The new law will help people avoid headaches as they go through airport or any other federal security.”

Illinois is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Current non-Real ID compliant driver’s license and identification cards will be accepted at airports until October 1, 2020.

After this date, people with Illinois driver’s licenses and identification cards will need to provide additional documentation in order for their cards to become REAL ID compliant.

House Bill 2315 takes effect on Jan. 1.