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
A miniature dachshund is reunited with its owner after 18 months lost on an Australian island

Miniature Dachshund Reunites with Owner After 18 Months Lost on Australian Island

Valerie, a tiny dachshund missing for a year and a half—essentially half…
Alex Murdaugh's surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, gets married in lavish Lowcountry wedding

Buster Murdaugh, son of Alex Murdaugh, celebrates a grand wedding in the Lowcountry

Alex Murdaugh’s surviving eldest son, Buster Murdaugh, married his fiancée, Brooklynn White,…
Most travelers must have a REAL ID now to fly within the US

U.S. Flyers Now Generally Need a REAL ID for Domestic Flights

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — REAL ID requirements for those flying within the…
NY Town of Chester Highway Superintendent John J. Reilly III arrested for shooting DoorDash driver

Highway Superintendent in Chester, NY, Arrested for Shooting Incident Involving DoorDash Driver

An official from a New York town is accused of shooting at…
Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, and two other people posing for a photo.

Ivanka Trump’s Heartwarming Support for Sister Tiffany as Her First Baby’s Due Date Approaches, and How Dad Donald is Aiding His Youngest Daughter

TIFFANY Trump is feeling the love as she prepares to welcome a…
Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, attacks Gov. JB Pritzker, sanctuary policies in Springfield, IL

Kristi Noem Criticizes Gov. JB Pritzker and Sanctuary Policies in Springfield, IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was…
Fire breaks out at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp's stadium VyStar Ballpark

Blaze Erupts at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s VyStar Ballpark

The fire was put out around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and did not…
Vatican conclave to pick new pope, world waits for white smoke 

World Awaits White Smoke as Vatican Conclave Elects New Pope

On Wednesday, Roman Catholic cardinals will commence the task of electing a…
Bombshell complaint: Lawyers' union creates `toxic environment' for Jewish members

Explosive Allegation: Lawyers’ Union Accused of Creating ‘Harmful Atmosphere’ for Jewish Members

A new federal lawsuit reveals that union activists created a distressing and…
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet make red carpet debut

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Step Out Together for Their First Red Carpet Appearance

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have made their red carpet debut. The…
US Airman from Atlanta Roger Fortson killed by deputy | Lawsuit announced

Atlanta Airman Roger Fortson Fatally Shot by Deputy | Legal Action Initiated

The deadly shooting happened in Okaloosa County, Florida, on May 3, 2024.…
3 former Memphis police officers acquitted in death of Tyre Nichols

Three Ex-Memphis Officers Cleared in Tyre Nichols Case

Three ex-Tennessee police officers were cleared of all charges on Wednesday in…