Illinois driver's license deemed not secure enough for feds

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois officials say a state driver's license won't be enough identification to get into most federal facilities after Jan. 10 when the state's exemption from federal Real ID requirements ends.

It also could eventually mean that Illinois driver's licenses won't be accepted as identification for commercial airplane flights.

The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/1IrNWRC) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has notified Illinois that its request for an extension has been denied. Illinois previously was granted two one-year extensions.

The 2005 Real ID act imposes tougher requirements for proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver's licenses to be valid for federal purposes. The law was passed in response to national security concerns after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Missouri also has been deemed noncompliant.