A critical Real ID deadline is approaching, and that will mean some travelers without a Real ID will have to pay extra to travel.
Starting next month, those without proper identification will be given the option of verifying their identity through TSA’s alternative identity verification system, known as Confirm ID — for a price.
So what is allowed, what will you have to do and how can you still get your Real ID?
Here’s what to know:
What will happen on Feb. 1?
The Transportation Security Administration announced that starting on Feb. 1, 2026, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of identification, such as a Real ID or passport, will have to pay a fee to travel.
Passengers will be able to fill out a form and pay the fee online through pay.gov. before getting to the airport, or they can do so at the airport through a different line.
Once approved, the identity verification would be valid for 10 days. After that period, travelers without a Real ID or passport will need to pay the fee again if they travel.
A DHS spokesperson said the Confirm ID process will take about 10 to 15 minutes, but can be as long as 30 minutes or more, depending on verification requirements and airport security wait times.
How can you get a Real ID?
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced this week it will offer more appointments and expanded hours at a Chicago facility ahead of the penalty enforcement.
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, there’s a new sense of urgency to get to the DMV.
“If you work weekdays, take care of kids or can’t take time off, the process can feel stressful and out of reach,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said.
Hours at the Supercenter will expand to include the next three Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 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 Feb. 1,” Giannoulias said.
What are the Real ID requirements?
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 St. will open the same Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 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.
You’ll need the following documents:
- One document with your full legal name, date of birth, and citizenship status or lawful status like a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or employment authorization card.
- One document with your full Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2 with your full number, or a 1099. (This requirement is waived if you have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID and have previously provided your Social Security card.)
- Two documents to prove your Illinois residency, like a bank statement, rental agreement, pay stub, utility bill, or voter registration card.
- One document to verify your written signature, like your current non-REAL ID driver’s license, a credit or debit card, a passport, or a canceled check.
There is a Real ID checklist and other locations here.
What other forms of ID are accepted?
- Real ID
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
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