SPRINGFIELD - The state is looking for a good software designer, one that can help put in place federal guidelines that eventually could require Illinoisans to have a more secure ID card to board commercial planes.

The Real ID program is a federal law sparked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks that eventually could require people to have identification cards that meet certain standards to board planes and get into federal buildings. The rules won't kick in until 2011.

In Illinois, Secretary of State Jesse White's office is charged with putting the program in place.

The office has been taking steps for more than a year, and state records show a software consultant is now needed to help design the system.

Under the program, a database would be used to keep records of people with Real ID-standardized identification cards. White has proposed requiring Illinoisans get ID cards separate from their driver's licenses if they want to fly on commercial airlines.

It's unclear if lawmakers will go along with that idea, or pay for it, but White spokesman Henry Haupt said the office has to get ready anyway.

"We need to prepare as best we can," Haupt said.

Illinois officials have complained the federal government has forced states to pay for its program without any say. Illinois got a $2.3 million grant to help it get started, Haupt said, but the total cost of the program for Illinois has been estimated at $100 million.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865