How to Get a Real ID at the Chicago Auto Show
When is the Chicago Auto Show?
The Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 8 through Feb. 17 and opens at 10 a.m. each day. The show will close at the following times:
- 9 p.m. on Feb. 8 and Feb. 10-16
- 6 p.m. on Feb. 9
- 8 p.m. on Feb. 17
What services are offered at the Secretary of State booth?
Visitors to the Secretary of State booth at this year’s Chicago Auto Show can renew their driver’s licenses if only a vision screening is needed and state ID cards. Additionally, other services offered include vehicle transfers, vehicle sticker sales, passenger and B-truck license plates, specialty license plates, vehicle title and registration, parking placards for people with disabilities, and pick-a-plate.
Those visiting the booth can also register to be organ/tissue donors.
When is the Real ID deadline?
Beginning on May 7, 2025, Real ID-compliant identification will be required for residents who plan to fly domestically. “For Illinois residents who fly domestically, effective May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, military ID or other federally approved identification, you may continue to use it as your form of identification after May 7, 2025,” the Illinois Secretary of State’s office said.
Who needs a Real ID and where?
In addition to domestic flights, Real IDs will also be required when entering federal and state facilities, including courthouses and prisons. They will also be needed to enter secure facilities like nuclear power plants. All residents 18 and older who intend to fly domestically or enter these types of facilities will be required to obtain Real ID-compliant cards.
Why do you need a Real ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the publication of the 9/11 Commission Report in an effort to increase security of identification documents, making them more difficult to duplicate.
How much does a Real ID cost?
The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a standard license, according to officials.
Where can you get a Real ID?
The cards can be obtained at Secretary of State’s Office locations, though many will require appointments to present materials needed to get the identification.
What do you need to bring to get a Real ID?
To apply for a Real ID in Illinois, you’ll need the following items:
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status. Bring in one of the following documents: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate; a U.S. passport or passport card; an Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766; a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551; or an unexpired foreign passport with affixed visa and approved Form I-94. For a complete list, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
- Proof of full Social Security number (SSN). Bring in one of the following documents: a Social Security card; W-2; pay stub or printed electronic deposit receipt bearing your name and full SSN; SSA-1099 Form; or Non-SSA-1099 Form. Original documents are required.
- Two (2) residency documents. This includes documents such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage bill or medical document. Hard copy documents are required. Images from a cellphone are not accepted, but you may print the image (ex: bank statement) and provide the printed copy. For a complete list, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
- Proof of signature. This includes documents such as credit/debit card, cancelled check or current Illinois DL/ID. For a complete list, please view the Acceptable Identification Documents Chart.
How will the deadline be enforced?
A recent proposal from the Transportation Security Administration in September could delay full enforcement, but whether or not it will get approved remains to be seen. The plan would delay the full enforcement of REAL ID for another two years, but also warns of delays at airport security checkpoints for those who do not have a compliant ID. “Travelers without a REAL ID compliant ID or another form of acceptable ID after the May 7, 2025 deadline could face delays at airport security checkpoints,” the agency said in a release, noting the potential for warnings or possibly “progressive consequences” for those without a compliant ID.
The department proposed plans for a “phased enforcement approach.” “TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “REAL ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders and states during implementation.”
Conclusion
As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, it’s essential to understand what services are available at the Secretary of State booth during the Chicago Auto Show and what documents are required to obtain a Real ID. With the cost of a Real ID being the same as a standard license, it’s crucial to take care of this essential identification before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Real ID?
A: A Real ID is a federally-compliant identification card that meets the security standards set by the federal government.
Q: Why do I need a Real ID?
A: Starting May 7, 2025, Real ID-compliant identification will be required for residents who plan to fly domestically and enter federal and state facilities, including courthouses and prisons.
Q: Where can I get a Real ID?
A: The cards can be obtained at Secretary of State’s Office locations, though many will require appointments to present materials needed to get the identification.
Q: What do I need to bring to get a Real ID?
A: To apply for a Real ID in Illinois, you’ll need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status, proof of full Social Security number (SSN), two (2) residency documents, and proof of signature.
