Illinoisans Rush to Obtain REAL IDs Before Federal Deadline
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is stepping up its efforts to help residents comply with the federal REAL ID requirements by adding Saturday hours at its downtown Supercenter. The move comes ahead of a February 1 deadline when the Transportation Security Administration will start imposing $45 fees on travelers without the updated identification documents.
As of last year, nearly half of Illinoisans have obtained REAL IDs, which are required since last spring. However, many more still need to get their hands on the necessary documents. The Secretary of State's office is urging residents to act now, especially with the TSA fees just weeks away.
To facilitate the process, the downtown Supercenter will be open 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on three Saturdays (January 17, January 24, and January 31), while the clerk's Vital Records Department will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those same dates. Additionally, 15 Chicago area DMVs will offer Saturday appointments.
Residents can help by visiting the clerk's office or the Secretary of State's website for more information and assistance. The deadline to avoid the TSA fees is fast approaching, with officials warning that the process may take up to 30 minutes at the airport.
While there are still challenges ahead, Illinoisans are making progress towards complying with federal REAL ID requirements. With the added Saturday hours, hundreds of new appointments will be available, reducing hassle and stress for those seeking the necessary documents.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is stepping up its efforts to help residents comply with the federal REAL ID requirements by adding Saturday hours at its downtown Supercenter. The move comes ahead of a February 1 deadline when the Transportation Security Administration will start imposing $45 fees on travelers without the updated identification documents.
As of last year, nearly half of Illinoisans have obtained REAL IDs, which are required since last spring. However, many more still need to get their hands on the necessary documents. The Secretary of State's office is urging residents to act now, especially with the TSA fees just weeks away.
To facilitate the process, the downtown Supercenter will be open 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on three Saturdays (January 17, January 24, and January 31), while the clerk's Vital Records Department will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those same dates. Additionally, 15 Chicago area DMVs will offer Saturday appointments.
Residents can help by visiting the clerk's office or the Secretary of State's website for more information and assistance. The deadline to avoid the TSA fees is fast approaching, with officials warning that the process may take up to 30 minutes at the airport.
While there are still challenges ahead, Illinoisans are making progress towards complying with federal REAL ID requirements. With the added Saturday hours, hundreds of new appointments will be available, reducing hassle and stress for those seeking the necessary documents.
idk how ppl manage to get it done in 30 mins tho, that's crazy talk! 
anyway, gotta stay organized and get those real ids out ASAP so we can avoid those $45 fees 
anyway, I hope everyone in Illinois gets their REAL IDs on time so they don't get stuck with extra fees 
it's just crazy how important this is for travel and stuff now 
I'm thinking of an org chart here:
The US government is finally cracking down on people not having a real ID? Like, isn't this just common sense now that they're adding fees to it? I mean, who doesn't want to avoid paying $45 at the airport? 
It's good that Illinoisans are taking it seriously and making progress, but what about those who can't make it to the Supercenter on Saturdays? Can't we have more flexible options for people with busy schedules or limited mobility? 
like whats the rush? cant we just get ours without being nickel & dimed 
i was thinking bout it last wkend & now im stressing lol thinkin its gonna take me like 30 mins at the airport 
anyway illinoisans r doin bettr than most states lol, almost half got it done already 
15 chicago area DMVs r open on saturdays too, that's a big help 
