SPRINGFIELD - Illinois could soon join the chorus of states to revolt against a federal law requiring standardized drivers licenses across the country.

In the past months, a host of states have expressed varying levels of frustration with the Real ID Act - a law that would require citizens to have a federally accepted form of identification to get onto airplanes or into some government buildings.

Some have said having a massive national database of personal information could lead to identity theft problems.

But even following the law could be tough on states. Many, including Illinois, could spend millions to upgrade their computer systems and make other changes to prepare for when Real ID takes effect in May 2008.

Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the Illinois branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, characterized the states' frustration as a "revolt" and hopes Illinois' effort will get federal lawmakers to act.

A resolution that could be debated in the Illinois General Assembly would be similar to some other states in that if it's approved, the rebuke wouldn't carry legal weight. It's designed to send a political message.

"The whole point of this is to get Congress to resolve these issues," he said.

They might be listening already. Federal lawmakers from Maine, one of the first states to rebuke Real ID, have proposed changes to the law that could give states more time and ease some privacy concerns.

The original law was passed when Republicans had control of Congress, so the Democratic majority could have the necessary political muscle to adjust Real ID.

"These burdensome and unworkable mandates on the states will mean significant expense and long processing delays that will impact every American," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

The federal government hasn't released details of what exactly states will have to do to conduct the Real ID program. So Illinois' likely won't know how much it'll cost in time to prepare for Gov. Rod Blagojevich's budget speech next week, said Dave Druker, spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White.

White is expected to address Real ID issues facing Illinois at a House committee this week. Before, he has called for more money from the federal government to help with the program.

The legislation is House Joint Resolution 27.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.