TSA at Chicago, Illinois airports warns REAL ID requirement to fly begins next week | What to know
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s one week out from the REAL ID deadline.

Travelers will need one to easily get on a plane or into some government buildings, if they don’t have passports.

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

Long lines were spotted again Wednesday morning outside the Loop Supercenter.

That facility is only handling REAL IDs, and no appointments are needed.

RELATED: New push calls to delay REAL ID deadline

The Transportation Security Administration is warning travelers at Chicago airports that the ID requirement for those over 18 will be enforced starting next Wednesday.

TSA PreCheck members are not exempt.

“If you plan to use your driver’s license, or a state-issued identity card to fly domestically, please make sure those credentials are REAL ID compliant,” TSA Federal Security Director for Illinois Jim Spriggs said. “You can check for a star on the ID in the upper right-hand corner.”

Other acceptable forms of ID include U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards, like Global Entry.

TSA says passengers without those documents or a Real ID can expect delays, additional screenings and the possibility of missing their flights.

Air travelers like Hannah Costie aren’t taking any chances; she got her REAL ID early.

“You’re already worried about like making your flight on time and going through TSA and all those steps. So, just the issues of like, if I just give you one ID, it’s all good,” Costie said.

After decades of delays, DHS’ enforcement deadline for REAL ID is finally here, just in time for the busy summer travel season.

“We’ll also make extra customer service personnel available to assist travelers in the terminal when the new requirements go into effect,” said Danny Vega, Chicago Department of Aviation managing deputy commissioner of security.

One woman said she doesn’t have her REAL ID yet, but will get it now, even though she doesn’t travel a lot.

“I would not want to be in the airport on May 7. It will be a nightmare for the people that work here and for the people that didn’t realize they’re supposed to have that,” Shannon Trask said.

Congress passed the 2005 REAL ID Act in response to the threat of terrorism.

States have been working to meet the security requirement for driver’s licenses and identification cards they issue.

The Illinois secretary of state says approximately 35% of the state’s residents have a REAL ID.

If you’ve already applied for your REAL ID and are waiting for it to come in the mail, you’ll still need more than your paper receipt to get through the airport.

“However, please come to the airport and bring that document; you may experience delays or additional screening, but you’re likely to move through through security and make your flight,” Spriggs said.

Officials would not give specifics about their additional screening methods.

Authorities are still encouraging people to meet the May 7 deadline, but admit hard enforcement may not happen until May 2027.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago City Council committee to take up curfew ordinance to address downtown teen takeovers

Chicago City Council Committee to Discuss Curfew Ordinance to Manage Teen Gatherings Downtown

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago City Council committee is taking up a…
'Jeopardy! Masters' returns to primetime; Host Ken Jennings discusses legendary game show tournament

‘Jeopardy! Masters’ Comes Back to Primetime; Host Ken Jennings Talks About Iconic Tournament

NEW YORK (WABC) — Starting this week, the best contestants from “Jeopardy!”‘…
Judge approves Sean Combs' request to wear non-prison clothing for trial beginning next week

Judge Grants Sean Combs’ Request to Wear Personal Attire for Upcoming Trial

NEW YORK CITY — A federal judge in New York on Wednesday…
2025 Illinois measles cases: Health officials report first measles cases in Cook County this year, including 1 in Chicago

2025 Illinois Measles Outbreak: Cook County Confirms Its First Cases of the Year, Including 1 in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County…
Top players return for another round of taxing trivia in 'Jeopardy! Masters' for chance to win $500,000

Elite Contestants Compete in ‘Jeopardy! Masters’ for a Shot at $500,000

LOS ANGELES — Some of best and brightest “Jeopardy!” contestants are back…
Even a small uptick in vaccination could prevent millions of US measles cases. Here's how

How a Minor Increase in Vaccination Rates Could Avert Millions of Measles Cases in the US

Measles cases are continuing to spread throughout the U.S. with outbreaks in…
Kamala Harris expected to sharply criticize Donald Trump's policies in San Francisco speech

Kamala Harris to Strongly Condemn Trump’s Policies in Upcoming San Francisco Speech

SAN FRANCISCO — Former Vice President Kamala Harris plans to use a…
Mayor Brandon Johnson meets with Gov. JB Pritzker, others in Springfield, Illinois over funding requests for Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses Chicago funding proposals with Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials in Springfield, Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson was in Springfield Wednesday lobbying…
Victor Gomez, from East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, wins Illinois Teacher of the Year award

East Leyden High’s Victor Gomez Named Illinois Teacher of the Year

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A bilingual teacher in suburban Franklin Park…
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' turns 50: cult classic will be back in theaters and released on Blu-ray in 4K Ultra HD

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Celebrates 50 Years: Returns to Theaters and Launches on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

“Let’s do the time warp again!” This year marks the 50th anniversary…
Barbra Streisand announces new duets album with Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mariah Carey and more

Barbra Streisand unveils new collaborative album featuring Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mariah Carey, and other stars

NEW YORK — Barbra Streisand is still a woman in love, and…
Kuwait frees 10 more Americans in the second release in as many months

Kuwait Releases 10 Additional Americans in Second Round of Releases in Two Months

WASHINGTON (AP) – — Kuwait has released an additional 10 American detainees,…