With the May 7th deadline for REAL ID enforcement fast approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is working to clear up confusion surrounding the new federal requirements. Giannoulias emphasizes that while a REAL ID will be necessary for certain federal activities, it is not mandatory for everyone.
The primary reason for Illinois residents over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is for domestic air travel on commercial airlines and for accessing specific federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses, starting May 7th. However, those with a valid U.S. passport, as well as individuals under 18, will not need a REAL ID.
“Get Real Illinois” Campaign Aims to Boost Awareness
Giannoulias launched the “Get Real Illinois” campaign last May to inform residents about the requirements and deadlines associated with the federal REAL ID initiative. The campaign has partnered with organizations throughout the state to promote enrollment through a series of REAL ID “pop-up” events over the past year.
The Secretary of State’s office has seen a significant increase in REAL ID issuances, with 628,279 issued in 2022, 864,240 in 2023, and 1.1 million in 2024. January 2025 saw a record 128,000 REAL IDs issued in a single month.
DMV Appointments and Required Documents
To accommodate the surge in demand, the Secretary of State’s office has increased the number of daily appointments by nearly 2,500 at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs. Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment at www.ilsos.gov to avoid potential long waits, especially at the walk-in facilities in the Loop and Chinatown.
Currently, only about 30 percent (3.4 million) of Illinois residents with a driver’s license or state ID hold a REAL ID.
For those who do need a REAL ID, Giannoulias recommends applying at least 30 days before any planned air travel after May 7, 2025. It’s important to note that a temporary driver’s license or state ID will not be accepted as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Applicants must apply in person at an Illinois DMV and provide the following documents:
- Proof of Identity: A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens can present an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. Name change documents are required if applicable.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN): A Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with the full SSN.
- Two Proofs of Current Residency: Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title, or a bank statement.
- Proof of Signature: A signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.
Illinois residents can access an interactive checklist online to ensure they have all the necessary documents before visiting a DMV.
