Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is offering more appointments and expanded hours at a Chicago facility ahead of the TSA beginning to enforce a penalty for traveling without a REAL ID.
Though lines of people waiting to get their REAL ID wrapped around the block outside of the REAL ID Supercenter on Clark and Lake last spring, 44% of Illinois residents still don’t have one.
Now, with the looming Feb. 1 deadline for when TSA will begin charging a $45 REAL ID penalty for travelers flying without one, there’s a new sense of urgency to get to the DMV.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging residents to obtain one ahead of the deadline and is working to make it a more accessible process.
“If you work weekdays, take care of kids or can’t take time off, the process can feel stressful and out of reach,” he said.
Hours at the Supercenter will expand to include the next three Saturdays, January 17, 24 and 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“These hours are specifically designed for people who cant come in during the work week and still need to get this done before February first,” Giannoulias said.
Applying for the REAL ID isn’t just a matter of showing up but also tracking down a list of necessary documents.
To assist, the Cook County Clerk’s Office at 118 North Clark Street will open the same Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Customers may walk in or schedule an appointment online in advance to obtain birth certificates, marriage certificates and other essential vital records needed to complete real ID applications with same day service,” Clerk Monica Gordon said.
There is a Real ID checklist and other locations here.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
