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
Chicago tax attorney Adam Beckerink, accused of murdering wife Caitlin Tracey at South Loop condo, pleads not guilty

Chicago Tax Attorney Adam Beckerink Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile South Loop Condo Murder Case

In a gripping courtroom scene this past Thursday, a Chicago tax attorney…
Clayton Dietz, accused of killing adoptive father hauled into court in handcuffs

Shocking Courtroom Drama: Clayton Dietz Faces Justice in Adoptive Father’s Murder Case

An 11-year-old, described as having a youthful appearance, faced the court in…
College student dies in tragic ski accident at Wisconsin resort, marking second death within a month

Tragic Skiing Incident Claims Second Student’s Life at Wisconsin Resort in One Month

A tragic ski accident claimed the life of a 20-year-old college student…
How extreme cold is affecting Americans’ lives, according to a new AP-NORC poll

New AP-NORC Poll Reveals Impact of Severe Cold on Daily Life in America

WASHINGTON — As 2026 began, North America found itself in the grip…
DOJ blocks California's mask ban for federal agents

California’s Mask Ban Halted: DOJ Steps in to Protect Federal Agents’ Safety

The Department of Justice has successfully intervened to prevent Gavin Newsom from…
UK condemns 10-year espionage sentence for British couple in Iran

UK Criticizes Iran’s 10-Year Prison Sentence for British Couple Accused of Espionage

LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) – On Thursday, British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper…
Illegal immigrant allegedly ambushed woman on Florida beach in random attempted drowning attack: police

Florida Beach Incident: Woman Targeted in Alleged Drowning Attempt by Suspect, Police Report

An undocumented immigrant is currently in custody following allegations of a late-night…
Navy reservist on active duty accused of murdering wife believed to have fled to Hong Kong

Active Duty Navy Reservist Allegedly Murders Wife, Suspected to Have Escaped to Hong Kong

A Navy reservist currently on active duty is under suspicion for the…
Video shows terrifying moment avalanche slams into passenger train near ski resort

Watch: Avalanche Strikes Passenger Train Near Ski Resort in Heart-Stopping Video

A heart-stopping moment unfolded in the Swiss Alps as an avalanche cascaded…
Climber charged with leaving girlfriend on Austrian mountain to freeze to death tells court she told him to 'go' and find help

Climber Defends Decision to Leave Girlfriend on Austrian Mountain, Claims She Urged Him to Seek Help

An Austrian man facing charges of manslaughter is defending himself against accusations…
Organized South American crime group burglarizes over 60 high-end Houston-area homes targeting designer goods

Luxury Loot: Inside the South American Crime Syndicate Targeting Houston’s Elite Homes

A sophisticated burglary operation has struck over 60 luxury residences throughout the…
Tom Homan: 'There Will Be Mass Deportation'

Former ICE Director Tom Homan Predicts Surge in Mass Deportations Under New Immigration Policies

On Thursday, during an appearance on “The Story” on Fox News Channel,…