The deadline to obtain the federal government’s REAL ID is this Saturday, January 31. Passengers need a REAL ID to fly on airplanes or enter a federal building.
Without a REAL ID, travelers must have a passport or pay a $45 penalty before they can board an airplane. The fee expires after 10 days, meaning passengers on a two-week vacation would have to pay the penalty twice.
A driver’s license or State ID will no longer be accepted as a form of identification for airline passengers. Transportation Security Administration officials will only accept a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or Global Entry card.
To accommodate the rush ahead of the deadline, the downtown Supercenter at 191 North Clark Street has, since early January, been operating under expanded hours for residents who need a REAL ID.
The Cook County Clerk’s Vital Records Department, located at 118 North Clark Street, is also available for residents who need to gather additional documents required for REAL IDs. Those documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card, and marriage license, if applicable.
Almost half of Illinoisans have obtained REAL IDs, and about 1.5 million people across the state received the updated ID last year, bringing statewide coverage to 44 percent, according to the office of Alexi Giannoulias.
“Illinoisans are making real progress toward complying with federal REAL ID requirements, but many still need one,” Giannoulias said in a statement.
“With TSA’s $45 penalty just weeks away, we’re not only urging residents to act now, we’re making it easier and more convenient than ever with expanded Saturday hours, hundreds of new appointments, and our partnership with the Cook County Clerk’s office — delivering less hassle, less time, and no surprise fees at the airport.”
The $45 fee will be payable online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.
The downtown Supercenter will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 31. The clerk’s downtown office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. Additional Saturday appointments will also be offered at 15 Chicago-area DMV locations.
Assistance from the clerk’s office is available at (312) 603-6278 or [email protected]. The Secretary of State’s help line is (800) 252-8980.
REAL IDs can be obtained at any DMV. Most locations in the Chicago area require an appointment, which can be scheduled at ilsos.gov.