INTERACTIVE PORTAL FOR REAL ID 2/28/25 To
accommodate the recent surge in demand, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced
a new designated “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website, www.ilsos.gov
so Illinoisans can 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. “To
meet the demand for REAL IDs, we’ve established Saturday hours at 12 Chicago-area
DMVs specifically to serve Illinoisans who need a REAL ID before the May 7th
federal enforcement period,” Giannoulias said. “But before visiting a DMV, I’m
imploring everyone to make absolutely certain that you need a REAL ID. Most
Illinoisans do not need one before May 7th and they can still get
one after that date.” Prior
to going to a DMV for a REAL ID, Giannoulias stressed that that Illinoisans
should make sure they need a REAL ID before the May 7th federal
deadline, adding the demand for REAL IDs has made it challenging for the public
to access other services at DMVs. Meanwhile,
TSA has not provided details on how it plans to enforce the REAL ID Act once
the enforcement date arrives, suggesting it will implement a “phased
enforcement approach” over a two-year period, which could allow travelers to
board flights with warnings about the requirement. Individuals
applying for a REAL ID must do so in-person at an Illinois DMV and are required
to present; a US birth certificate, US passport, Naturalization Certificate,
Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S.
citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a
foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you've
changed your name, you'll need to provide name change documents. Proof of a
full Social Security number (SSN). Two current residency documents that list
your full name. Proof of your signature. Illinois
residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they
have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.