Illinois opens America’s first REAL ID Supercenter to meet ‘unprecedented’ demand

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the state will open a new REAL ID Supercenter in Chicago’s Loop to meet “unprecedented” demand.

The facility, at 191 N. Clark Street, will be equipped with 30 service counters for non-appointment, walk-in services from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Giannoulias said demand for REAL IDs stemmed largely from confusion around the federal government’s requirements and enforcement date.

“Most Illinoisans do not need one before May 7 and they can still get one after that date. Before visiting the supercenter or any of our DMVs, I urge you to confirm that you actually need a REAL ID by visiting realid.ilsos.gov,” he said.

Starting May 7th, 2025, Illinois residents will need a REAL ID instead of a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight or enter certain government buildings, such as a military base or a federal courthouse.

But that doesn’t mean all Illinois residents are required to get one.

You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that otherwise does not require an ID (like a post office), go to a hospital, or “participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations,” like jury duty.

A valid US Passport will also allow residents to fly.

REAL ID cards look like driver’s licenses but contain a gold star, in addition to using technology that makes them more difficult to forge.

After May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept identification that does not meet the standards established in the REAL ID Act. Note, a valid passport or passport card will also be accepted by the TSA.

To obtain a REAL ID, residents must visit a Secretary of State Drivers Service facility with the correct documentation.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, a person must provide:

• Proof of identity. This can include: U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.
• Proof of full Social Security number. This can include a SSN card, a W-2 or a pay stub with full SSN.)
• Two current residency documents with the applicant’s name. Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement
• Proof of signature. Examples include A credit/debit card, canceled check or current Illinois ID.

A full checklist can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State‘s website.