With the deadline for U.S. citizens to obtain Real IDs fast approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging residents to “Get Real.”
A Real ID is a federally standardized identification card that requires stricter proof of identity than regular state driver’s licenses or ID cards. All Drivers Services facilities in Illinois are issuing Real IDs, except for mobile units and express facilities.
In May 2022, Giannoulias’ office launched the “Get Real Illinois” campaign to raise awareness about the requirements and upcoming deadline for Real ID implementation. During a news conference on Tuesday, he continued to stress the importance of obtaining the new ID as the federal deadline nears.
Starting on May 7th, state-issued driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted as valid identification for domestic flights or access to certain federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses. While a Real ID will be necessary for these purposes, individuals can still fly domestically with a valid passport.
A Real ID is identifiable by a gold star in the upper right corner of the ID card.
“As we approach May 7, we expect demand for Real ID driver’s licenses and state IDs to surge,” Giannoulias said. “We want to avoid long lines at our facilities and complications for families at airports.”
The news conference aimed to clarify any confusion regarding the Real ID requirements. Giannoulias noted that since the new administration took office in Washington, many people have been unclear about what a Real ID entails, mistakenly believing it is necessary for everyday identification.
“It’s important to emphasize that you do not need a Real ID to drive a vehicle,” he stated.
Concerns about the new identification have also emerged, particularly regarding issues of gender identity and skepticism about the certainty of the May 7 deadline. While Giannoulias did not directly address gender identity concerns, he reiterated that residents should decide for themselves whether obtaining a Real ID is necessary.
“I don’t want to discourage anyone from getting a Real ID, but not everyone will need one by May 7, and some may never need it at all,” he said.
In response to doubts about the firm nature of the deadline, Giannoulias acknowledged public skepticism, saying, “After years of delays and extensions, many are questioning why they should trust the Department of Homeland Security.” He explained that previous delays were due to various factors, including partisan politics and coordination issues between federal and state governments.
The REAL ID Act was established in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, setting minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The implementation date has been postponed several times, most recently to 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This time, the situation is different,” Giannoulias stated. “The TSA has published a ‘final rule’ that eliminates the option for further extensions, ensuring the regulation will take effect.”
According to the TSA’s final rule, enforcement of the Real ID law will begin on May 7, with a phased approach lasting until May 2027.
The Secretary of State’s website includes an interactive checklist to help Illinois residents determine the necessary documents for obtaining a Real ID. Required documents include proof of identity, proof of a full Social Security number, and two documents verifying the current address.
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