REAL ID COMING 4/18/25 With
only days left until the REAL ID enforcement date takes effect on May 7th,
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about
REAL IDs as many scramble to get one. “The
federal REAL ID rollout has caused a great deal of confusion across the
country, including here in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “We’re monitoring REAL
ID demand and adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the
unprecedented surge.” Giannoulias
noted if you’re not traveling after May 7th, you probably don’t need
a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias
advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to
avoid waits at facilities. He
added that the May 7th “deadline” isn’t really a deadline. On May 7th,
Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid
passport, to board a domestic flight; however, DMVs will continue to issue REAL
IDs after May 7th. He
also announced the office is extending its REAL ID Saturdays program until the
end of May to provide more options to get one. Before
visiting a DMV to get a REAL ID, Giannoulias urged residents to confirm that
they actually need one. The
Secretary of State’s office is proactively raising awareness about REAL IDs
through its dedicated portal, realid.ilsos.gov. The portal makes it easy for
Illinoisans to determine; if they need a REAL ID before the May 7th
federal enforcement period begins; and how to find a walk-in location or
schedule an appointment near them. Most
important, REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle or required for
valid identification or proof of citizenship. The primary reason for
Illinoisans over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is to fly domestically on a
commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such as a military
base or federal courthouse, as of May 7th. Individuals who have a
valid U.S. passport, a passport issued by another country or a permanent
resident card, and those under the age of 18; will not need a REAL ID. To
meet the demand, the Secretary of State’s office has expanded service across
Illinois with the REAL ID Saturdays program offering weekend hours statewide
through May 31st. Illinois
residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they
have the documents they need before heading to a DMV. 