Illinois DMV Offers Extended Hours for Real ID Application Assistance
Illinois residents are facing a looming deadline of May 7 to obtain Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. With demand for these cards soaring, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced the launch of ‘Real ID Saturdays’ to help residents navigate the process.
The surge in demand for Real ID-compliant cards is driven by a federal government deadline that requires residents to upgrade their identification to meet new policies. While not all residents will need these new IDs, the state is experiencing an overwhelming demand for services as the deadline approaches.
To address this increased demand, the Secretary of State’s Office has added nearly 2,500 additional daily appointments at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and its suburbs. In addition to these extended hours, officials will be launching a website portal to assist residents in determining if they need a Real ID-compliant card before the May 7 deadline.
Real ID-compliant identification cards will be necessary for domestic flights within the United States, as well as entry into certain federal facilities like courthouses. While U.S. passports can also serve as valid documentation for these purposes, residents are encouraged to obtain Real ID cards for added convenience.
Application Requirements for Real ID in Illinois
To apply for a Real ID in Illinois, residents will need to provide the following documents:
• Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status, such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Employment Authorization Document, Permanent Resident Card, or foreign passport with visa and Form I-94.
• Proof of full Social Security number (SSN), which can be demonstrated with a Social Security card, W-2, pay stub, SSA-1099 Form, or Non-SSA-1099 Form.
• Two residency documents, including items like utility bills, rental agreements, mortgage bills, or medical documents.
• Proof of signature, which can be shown through credit/debit cards, cancelled checks, or a current Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
The cost for Real ID-compliant cards will be the same as regular driver’s licenses and ID cards at $30.
As the May 7 deadline approaches, Illinois residents are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours offered on ‘Real ID Saturdays’ to ensure they are prepared for upcoming travel and access to federal facilities. By providing additional appointments and online resources, state officials are working to streamline the process and assist residents in obtaining their Real ID cards efficiently and effectively.
