Illinois residents rush to get REAL ID as deadline arrives, with DMV lines, including outside Loop Super Center
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The REAL ID deadline arrived Wednesday

if you’re planning to fly Wednesday or in the days ahead and still don’t have a REAL ID, there’s no need to panic.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

You’re still going to be able to fly, but you’re just going to have to likely stand in an additional line to show an alternative form of ID.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, you can show a passport, Military ID, Green Card or Global Entry Card in place of a REAL ID.

But starting Wednesday, the federal government is requiring everyone 18 and older to have a Real ID to enter federal buildings.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was on hand Tuesday walking those long lines of people waiting to get an ID, trying to clear up any confusion.

He says Real IDs are always going to be issued even though Wednesday is the start of the enforcement date.

Unfortunately for Myriam Larson, she made it to the front doors of the Real ID Super Center just to see them close.

“I was standing in line for what felt like an eternity, and just as I was about to enter… they told me, no, I would have to wait until the next day,” said Larson.

City aviation officials are advising travelers to allow plenty of extra time to reach the airport on Wednesday, due to any potential delays linked with the new procedure.

READ ALSO | How long does it take to get a REAL ID?

Here are the requirements to apply for a REAL ID in Illinois:

1. A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you’re 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 will need to provide documentation for the name change.

2.Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN.

3.Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include: a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement.

4.Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.

Illinois has an interactive checklist to make sure applicants don’t forget anything. The checklist can be found here.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel’s army will 'advance readiness' for first phase of Trump plan to release hostages

Israel Military to “Boost Preparedness” for Initial Stage of Trump’s Hostage Release Plan

Israel’s military announced Saturday it will “advance readiness for the implementation of…
Israel claims no aid was found aboard Gaza-bound flotilla

Israel Reports Absence of Aid on Flotilla Heading to Gaza

Israel said the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was carrying plenty of activists,…
Iran executes 6 prisoners accused of carrying out attacks for Israel

Iran Executes Six Individuals for Alleged Attacks Linked to Israel

Iran reportedly carried out the execution of six prisoners on Saturday, who…
Iryna Zarutska: 911 calls released in deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing

Iryna Zarutska: 911 Recordings Made Public Following Fatal Stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail

Newly released 911 calls detail the chaotic moments after Ukrainian refugee Iryna…
Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from deploying troops in Portland, Oregon

Court Halts Trump Administration’s Plan to Send Troops to Portland Temporarily

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge in Oregon has temporarily stopped…
UK police accidentally shot victim while rushing to stop synagogue attacker

Police in the UK mistakenly shot someone while quickly responding to a synagogue attack.

One of the two victims who died in the terrorist attack on…
Trump administration offers teen migrants $2,500 to leave US voluntarily: reports

Reports: Teen Migrants Offered $2,500 to Voluntarily Leave US by Trump Administration

The Trump administration is currently offering teen migrants a $2,500 stipend to…
Suspect arrested, charged in shooting deaths of 2 teens found dead months ago in Arizona wilderness

Arrest Made and Charges Filed in Shooting Deaths of Two Teens Discovered in Arizona Wilderness Months Ago

Law enforcement in Arizona has apprehended and charged an individual in relation…
Brazil methanol poisonings top 120 cases after deadly tainted liquor fuels nationwide panic

Over 120 Poisoning Cases in Brazil Due to Contaminated Liquor, Sparking Nationwide Alarm

Brazil’s Health Ministry is advising people to refrain from consuming cocktails after…
Day 3 of Prince Holland's murder trial

The Third Day of Prince Holland’s Homicide Trial

Jurors examined forensic evidence and rap videos linking Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious…
Heroes, zeros of Yankees-Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton struggles

Highlights and Low Points of Yankees vs. Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton’s Tough Performance

Heroes and zeros from the Yankees’ 10-1 loss to the Blue Jays…
Sextortion scams against teen boys skyrocket after COVID, watchdog says

Watchdog Reports Surge in Sextortion Scams Targeting Teen Boys Post-COVID

DENVER – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is…