SPRINGFIELD - If a federal program requiring people to have upgraded identification cards to board airplanes takes effect at the end of the year, Illinois probably won't be ready for it.

The Real ID program requires Americans who want to board commercial planes or enter federal buildings to have ID cards that meet tougher security standards. Congress approved it several years ago in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White wants to make Illinoisans get separate ID cards apart from their driver's licenses to meet the requirements, and federal government rules call for Real ID to begin being implemented by the end of the year.

But Illinois almost certainly won't be ready. First, the state needs legislation that would let White carry out his plan, White spokesman Henry Haupt said.

The proposal hasn't yet been debated by lawmakers and probably won't be approved before they leave Springfield for the summer at the end of the month.

Second, White needs money to pay for it. Gov. Pat Quinn's budget doesn't plan to give it to him.

Under current rules, states have to start implementing the program by the end of the year. But most Americans would have a few years before they actually needed the upgraded ID card.

States across the country have protested, and federal Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has publicly said she at least wants to put the plan off. Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the office is working with states on a solution.

Still, Napolitano can't end the program on her own. That would take action from Congress.