(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — We are 75 days away from the REAL ID deadline in Illinois.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says come May 7, you'll need a REAL ID to hop on a plane or visit places like military bases and federal courthouses. And even then, your passport will work just fine.
However, you won't need one just to drive or to show identification.
State facilities are seeing what Giannoulias calls "unprecedented" demand for appointments and reports only about a quarter of Illinois residents have made the switch to REAL ID.
He acknowledged that the REAL ID enforcement has faced nearly two decades of delays.
“The reasons for the delays have run the gamut, ranging from partisan politics to a lack of coordination among the federal government and various states. More recently, the deadline was extended twice as a result of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic,” Giannoulias said.
He said this time, while there may be flexibility in enforcement, the deadline can not be extended.
If you do need one, it'll run you $30 – same as a regular license.
Giannoulias says not everyone needs to rush out and get one, and some people may never need a REAL ID.
Though if you're planning to fly after May 7, he suggests getting it done sooner rather than later to beat the crowds.
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