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
Watch: Republicans Drop Fire Ad Taking Aim at Mamdani and Socialism in Democrat Party

Embracing Socialism: A New Perspective

By Chris Talgo The latest polls indicate that in New York City’s…

Online Streamer Dies After Alleged Torture and Sleep Deprivation, Two Friends Arrested

AN ONLINE streamer has been found dead after 10 days of reported…
CPS school board deeply divided over proposed Chicago Public Schools budget with days left to close $734M shortfall

CPS School Board Faces Major Divide Over Proposed Budget as $734M Deficit Deadline Looms

CHICAGO (WLS) — It is down to the wire. The Chicago Board…
Zelensky and Putin at a meeting in Paris.

Why Does Putin Fear Zelensky? How Meeting the ‘Nazi Comic’ Turned Hero Could Highlight the Dictator’s Shortcomings

VLADIMIR Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky have only met in person once before.…
Kristi Noem Paints Border Wall a Very Special Color—at the Request of President Trump

Kristi Noem Selects Unique Color for Border Wall After President Trump’s Request

Since taking on her role, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem…
Woman and young child posing with a basket of flowers.

Influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, 27, Tragically Killed in Road Rage Incident While with Her Children

AN INFLUENCER has been shot dead in front of her young son…
NYPD welcomes nearly 1,100 recruits to academy – largest class in almost a decade

NYPD Enrolls Largest Academy Class in Nearly a Decade with Nearly 1,100 New Recruits

The NYPD has recently welcomed approximately 1,100 new recruits to its police…
Woman and man posing for a photo, woman holding yellow roses.

Tragic Incident at DC Home: Newsmax Staffer Travis Renee Baldwin, 57, Allegedly Shot and Killed by Her Son

 A TV make-up artist who worked with stars at outlets such as…
Department of Defense recruiting civilian volunteers for Trump admin's immigration crackdown operations

Defense Department Seeks Civilian Volunteers for Immigration Operations Under Trump Administration

The Department of Defense is providing its civilian employees with the chance…
Florida woman says moving company held belongings hostage for months

Florida Woman Claims Moving Company Kept Her Belongings Hostage for Months

The BBB says you need to know two things when hiring a…
FBI arrests Sean Gardner, ex-coach at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute for US Olympics in Iowa, years after abuse reports

Former Chow’s Gymnastics Coach Sean Gardner Arrested by FBI for Olympic Athlete Abuse Allegations in Iowa

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Just as the U.S. gymnastics community was regaining…
Pope Leo opts to share papal residence with four associates, breaking with tradition

Pope Leo Breaks Tradition by Sharing Papal Residence with Four Associates

Pope Leo XIV is introducing changes at the Vatican by choosing to…