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.
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Long lines were spotted again Wednesday morning outside the Loop Supercenter.
That facility is only handling REAL IDs, and no appointments are needed.
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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.
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