What to know about getting a REAL ID in Illinois ahead of Wednesday's deadline

On Tuesday morning, a long queue formed beyond the Loop Super Center as it wound through the entire Loop area across multiple city blocks. Hundreds of individuals hurriedly tried to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the Transportation Security Administration’s deadline on May 7.

As with Thursday, it occurred quite late in the day, stretching for at least three city blocks," stated Marlon Madison. "Hence, one must rise early and arrive promptly.

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The TSA has alerted passengers that starting from Wednesday, they won’t be permitted to board flights with a state-issued driver’s license unless it complies with REAL ID standards.

“I’m from the suburbs, but since no appointments were available, I had to drive for 50 minutes to come downtown today to obtain my REAL ID,” explained Janiyah Branch.

When the doors swung open at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the REAL ID Super Center, there was already a queue snaking around the entire block.

"Irrespective of its lengthiness, which is quite extensive, I am confident we will accomplish our goal," stated Izabella Vidallo.

A lot of people started bringing chairs around 4:30 a.m., aware of the long wait ahead.

Today, I woke up around 3:30," Vidallo mentioned. "Just yesterday, I was here as well. When I arrived at about 7:30, it wasn’t such a great plan.

"I wasn't able to secure an appointment, and since I frequently travel for both my job and church activities, I needed to quickly schedule one whenever possible. If there was a queue, then so be it," stated Michelle Morton.

"Ideally, we would have started sooner, but since we’re planning to go next month, we need to quickly get things done," stated Paul Lefebvre.

Leilah Sampson traveled for 2.5 hours from Bloomington-Normal after waiting three hours on Saturday, as she mentioned, just to find out that she lacked a necessary medical document which could affect her driving privileges.

Sampson expressed his distress, saying, "I am feeling terrible since I was unaware." He explained further, "No one informed me about this requirement until after I had entered entirely, reached the camera station, taken my photograph, and only then did somebody mention, 'By the way, you need a medical report.'"

A lot of individuals mentioned their ambitious upcoming travel plans.

"I've reserved a flight, a hotel room, and a $2,000 cabana in Miami to see my mom for Mother's Day, which will cost me around $3,000 total. But if I don’t receive this identification today before Friday, all these plans might fall through," Sampson stated.

Vincent Perez mentioned that his birthday is approaching this Friday, which means he has to make a trip. He stated, 'I require my ID since I haven’t obtained a passport yet.'

"I reside locally and do not own a vehicle. Additionally, my journey is scheduled for July," stated Olivia Pertchi.

In reaction to the terrorist threats, Congress enacted the 2005 REAL ID Act.

States have been endeavoring to fulfill the security criteria for driver's licenses and ID cards issued by them.

"I waited in line for two blocks long and it took me four hours; I barely managed to secure mine just now," stated Ernest F. Ledbetter III.

However, the deadline won’t apparently be strictly enforced. This implies that individuals who have submitted an application for a REAL ID but haven't received it yet might still manage to stick with their temporary travel arrangements.

“If it doesn’t meet compliance standards, we might reroute them to another processing line or add an additional step, but passengers will still be permitted to board their flights,” stated U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “We aim to ensure this process remains as smooth as possible.”

Noem also cautioned individuals older than 18 without REAL IDs that they can still travel by air using alternative federal identification documents like a valid passport, military ID, green card, or Global Entry Card.

The Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, stated on Tuesday that May 7 is a TSA deadline, and emphasized that most individuals who have been dealing with lengthy queues do not actually need to be there.

"We’re urging people not to visit the Super Center. It’s turning into a misconception that if you haven’t obtained a REAL ID by today or tomorrow, you’ll lose your chance entirely. However, we will continue providing these IDs indefinitely. You only need to come here this week if it’s an absolute necessity,” stated Giannoulias.

As the Super Center office was set to close at 5 p.m., Giannoulias, alongside the Secretary of State staff, began alerting people to cease forming lines after 4 p.m.

Giannoulias spent time going through the lengthy queues on Tuesday to address any issues.

Real IDs will continue to be issued for the foreseeable future, all through the summer, likely indefinitely," stated Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. He added, "Hence, approximately 90% of individuals waiting in line might not actually need to be there.

Sadly for Myriam Larson, she reached the entrance of the Real ID Super Center only to find the doors closing shut.

"I waited in line for what felt like an eternity, and just as I was about to reach the front, they announced that I had to come back the next day," Larson explained.

Noem informed lawmakers on Tuesday that 81% of individuals who travel by air already possess their REAL IDs.

Giannoulias states that roughly 35% of Illinois residents possess a REAL ID.

READ ALSO | How long is the processing time for obtaining a REAL ID?

The following are the criteria needed to obtain 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.

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