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
New Hampshire police shooting suspect Matthew J. Masse killed in gunfight after massive manhunt

Manhunt Ends: New Hampshire Shooting Suspect Matthew J. Masse Killed in Armed Confrontation

Authorities have confirmed that a man suspected of shooting a New Hampshire…
Vernon Hills news: No charges expected after SWAT team response on Saddlebrook Lane, decomposing body found ID'd as Mary Barry

Vernon Hills Update: SWAT Team Concludes Investigation on Saddlebrook Lane; Decomposed Remains Identified as Mary Barry

In Vernon Hills, Illinois, authorities have announced that no charges will be…
Accused drug dealer 'rolls up' to Long Island court with super conspicuous hoodie

Long Island Court Drama: Accused Dealer Makes Bold Fashion Statement with Eye-Catching Hoodie

In a courtroom appearance that left little to the imagination, a Long…
Easter egg hunt tragedy leaves young mother, her baby and teenager dead

Tragic Incident at Easter Egg Hunt Claims Lives of Young Mother, Infant, and Teenager

A tragic incident unfolded in Germany over the Easter weekend, as strong…
AOC enjoys Yankees game from suite during shutdown

AOC Sparks Debate by Attending Yankees Game in Luxury Suite Amid Government Shutdown

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was seen enjoying a paid vacation in a suite…
Veteran sports anchor allegedly stole funds from International Motorsports Hall of Fame to buy vintage cars for himself, wife

Veteran Sports Anchor Accused of Embezzling International Motorsports Hall of Fame Funds for Personal Vintage Car Collection

A former sports anchor has found himself in legal trouble after being…
NYC man fatally struck by out-of-control SUV driver while waiting for the bus

Tragic Incident: NYC Pedestrian Killed by Uncontrolled SUV While Waiting at Bus Stop

In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a man was fatally struck…
Search for Nancy Guthrie: Savannah Guthrie, family appeal to Tucson, Arizona community for clues in disappearance

Savannah Guthrie Returns to ‘Today’ Show After Mother’s Mysterious Disappearance

NEW YORK — Savannah Guthrie made her much-anticipated return to the “Today”…
Artemis II breaks Apollo 13's distance record as humans travel farther from Earth than ever before | WATCH LIVE

Artemis II Sets New Milestone, Surpassing Apollo 13’s Distance Record in Historic Human Spaceflight | Watch Live

The Artemis II crew made history on Monday as they journeyed farther…
E-4B ‘doomsday plane’ takes flight as Trump weighs strikes on Iran

Inside the E-4B Doomsday Plane: Key Player as Tensions Rise Between Trump and Iran

A United States “doomsday plane” was observed flying over a strategic air…
IDF confirms IRGC intel chief killed; Quds Force commander also eliminated in strike

IDF Confirms Elimination of IRGC Intelligence Chief and Quds Force Commander in Targeted Strike

Trump hints at potential Iran deal amid ongoing negotiations In an audacious…
Suspect in ICE custody after fentanyl, cocaine hits deputy in face

ICE Detains Suspect After Deputy Exposed to Fentanyl, Cocaine

A Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy found herself in a precarious situation while handling…