As the May 7, 2025 deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, Illinois residents are facing increasing pressure to obtain this new form of identification. However, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has emphasized that not everyone needs a REAL ID, and some may never need one at all.
Who Needs a REAL ID?
The primary reasons to obtain a REAL ID in Illinois are:
- To fly domestically on commercial airlines after May 7, 2025, if you don’t have a valid U.S. passport.
- To visit certain federal facilities, such as military bases or federal courthouses.
It’s important to note that REAL IDs are not mandatory for:
- Driving a vehicle
- General identification purposes
- Proof of citizenship
Giannoulias clarified, “As of May 7, if you have a current valid standard driver’s license, you do not need a real I.D. to legally drive a vehicle”.
Alternatives to REAL ID
For those who don’t want to obtain a REAL ID, there are alternatives:
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card can be used for domestic air travel and accessing federal facilities.
- Individuals under 18 years old do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically.
Deadline and Enforcement
The REAL ID Act will be enforced starting May 7, 2025. However, a final rule published on January 13 allows for a two-year phased-in enforcement, pushing full enforcement to May 2027. Despite this, Illinois officials advise against delaying the process if you need a REAL ID.
Obtaining a REAL ID in Illinois
To get a REAL ID, Illinois residents must visit a DMV facility in person and bring specific documentation:
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status
- Proof of full Social Security number
- Two documents showing current residency
- Proof of signature
The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a standard license.
Increased Demand and DMV Response
As the deadline approaches, Illinois is seeing unprecedented demand for REAL ID appointments. To address this, the Secretary of State’s office has taken several steps:
- Added nearly 2,500 more daily appointments at 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs.
- Trained staff to process requests more quickly.
- Launched an interactive online checklist to help residents prepare necessary documents before visiting a DMV.
Current REAL ID Statistics in Illinois
As of December 31, 2024, Illinois has issued 3,295,078 REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs. This represents only 25.34% of all currently valid driver’s licenses and state IDs in the state.
Advice from Secretary of State Giannoulias
Giannoulias advises residents to plan ahead and avoid last-minute rushes:
“We don’t want to see people freaking out and sprinting to the (DMV) facilities”.
He recommends that those who need a REAL ID for travel on or shortly after May 7 should obtain one sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, while the REAL ID deadline is approaching, it’s crucial for Illinois residents to assess whether they truly need one based on their travel and federal facility access needs. For those who do require a REAL ID, planning ahead and utilizing the increased appointment availability at DMVs can help ensure a smoother process as the deadline nears.
Sources:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/real-id-deadline-coming-may/
- https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/will-you-need-an-illinois-real-id-even-if-your-drivers-license-isnt-expired-illinois-real-id-requirements-explained/3658325/
- https://www.dailyherald.com/20250220/transportation/we-dont-want-to-see-people-freaking-out-giannoulias-explains-real-id-rules-to-prevent-may-7-dead/
- https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/real-id-update-il-residents-deadline-approaches
