Do you need a REAL ID in Illinois? DMVs adding more appointments as deadline nears

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An upcoming federal deadline for Americans to get their REAL ID has created some confusion, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

Giannoulias spoke Thursday to address concerns about REAL ID and a fast-approaching deadline.

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Illinoisans have been talking about REAL ID for several years now, yet many people in the Chicago area still don't understand it, and some don't have a clue what it is

The document is a new identification system mandated by the federal government and is required mainly to board flights within the United States. However, it is not mandatory, Giannoulias clarified.

Illinoisians do not need it "for driving a vehicle or required for valid identification or proof of citizenship."

DHS will begin to enforce the Real ID requirement on May 7, 2025.

REAL IDs ensures travelers can fly domestic within the U.S without additional documentation, according to the DMV. If you do not have a REAL ID you can fly, but you must show an additional TSA accepted document, like a U.S. passport.

The federal identification looks almost as a driver's license, but has a compliant star marking.

To accommodate, the office added more daily appointments by nearly 2,500 at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs.

READ MORE | Americans will need Real ID to travel, enter US federal buildings in 2025

Here are the requirements to apply for a REAL ID in Illinois:

1.A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you've changed your name, you'll need to provide name change documents.

2.Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN.

3.Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include: a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement.

4.Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver's license or state ID.

The federal government has pushed the deadline back multiple times, and that may have added to some confusion. That's why Giannoulias is speaking out to address misinformation and concerns over REAL ID.

"We know for sure that as the May 7th deadline approaches, demand for driver's license and state IDs will inevitably increase," Giannoulias said. "What we don't want are crazy and unmanageable lines at our facilities."

Giannoulias said a vast majority of people will never need it.

"You'll also need a REAL ID to visit certain federal facilities, like a military base or federal courthouse, if you don't have your passport," Giannoulias said. "I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a REAL ID, but before scheduling an appointment, please make sure you'll need one."

Giannoulias said people do not need REAL ID to show valid proof of citizenship.

The are still questions about how the state will handle the influx of folks coming to the DMV before the May 7 deadline.

"We are concerned, that's why I stood here a year ago, screaming from the rooftop," Giannoulias said. 'We are trying very hard trying to get this message out accurately and timely, to avoid enormous challenges not just in April and May, but at our airports.... and waiting 'til the last minute if you need one, will guarantee headaches and heartaches at airports and at our facilities."

Illinois has an interactive checklist to make sure applicants don't forget anything. The checklist can be found here.