The Real ID rush has prompted Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to launch a new downtown “supercenter” to process thousands of residents seeking the updated identification that will be required for some people to board domestic flights under federal regulations taking effect later this spring.
The Real ID Supercenter opened Tuesday morning at 191 N. Clark St. and will provide walk-in services Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in an effort to stem the long lines that have formed outside DMVs across the Chicago area this year.
After more than a decade of delays, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require Real IDs, which are harder to counterfeit, to get through airport security and to enter some federal facilities beginning May 7.
But unless you’ve got travel plans and you don’t have a U.S. passport or a Global Entry card — which will suffice for federal security — there’s no need to join the waves of people seeking Real IDs.
“The demand is unprecedented due largely to people thinking they need a Real ID when they don’t,” Giannoulias said. “There’s a good chance you don’t need one, and if you don’t get it by May 7 it’s not the end of the world.”
Real IDs aren’t required to drive. Standard state driver’s licenses and ID cards will continue serving as proof of citizenship and valid identification after May 7.
The mad dash for DMV appointments has already prompted Giannoulias’ office to boost the number of available slots, which are still being scooped up online within minutes every morning, boxing many people out from basic driver services.
Saturday hours have also been extended or introduced at 18 DMVs to help meet demand, with a record-high 10,641 Real ID applications processed March 8.
The Loop supercenter, which has previously served as an early voting supercenter for the Chicago Board of Elections, has 30 service counters and will process an estimated 1,500 applications per day, according to Giannoulias’ office.
Real IDs will still be issued after May 7 — and officials urge you to wait to apply until well beyond then unless you really need one.
Applications must be submitted in person with one of the following: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, employment authorization, permanent resident card or foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. Applicants also need proof of a Social Security number, two residency documents and proof of signature.
To determine if you need a Real ID, visit, realid.ilsos.gov.