Will Flying Without a REAL ID Be Possible After May 7? What to Expect at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports

The cutoff date for obtaining a Real ID To travel within the country, you can start flying from May 7th onwards. However, if your trip falls before this date, here’s what you might anticipate when arriving at Chicago's O'Hare or Midway airports for your flight.

The Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, stated that most individuals do not require obtaining a Real ID by this coming Wednesday’s deadline. He is urging those who have the flexibility to remain at home instead of lining up, as queues continue to be an issue. DMV facilities Throughout the state, lines have extended for blocks with waits lasting for hours.

Beginning this Wednesday, you will require either a Real ID or another accepted form of identification for flights within the country. Authorities are advising individuals who do not have immediate plans to travel to hold off getting their Real IDs until after the crowds subside. However, travelers planning trips in the near future are encountering long waits, sometimes lasting several hours each day.

Olivia Pertchi is not only traveling soon, she's also moving, in July, and needs her ID before address changes.

"I wish I did this a while ago," she admitted. "I'm traveling the first week of July and I don't have a passport."

Sandra Villanueva is departing much earlier than anticipated and lacks a passport as well. She mentioned that she feels content knowing the lengthy queue will ultimately bring her to her vacation.

She stated, 'This arrangement works for me since I am heading to Puerto Rico to have fun, which suits me just fine.'

But Villanueva said anyone who does not need a Real ID right away is best off staying home and not getting in the long line.

She mentioned, 'If there’s no need for you to travel by air, then don’t show up.' They’re indicating it isn’t actually a strict cutoff, so if your trip doesn’t involve flying, there’s no reason to make an effort.'

While officials are reassuring people they won't get kicked off their flights if they don't have a Real ID by Wednesday, you will need to take extra steps and plan to spend extra time at the airport.

This is the information you require.

Can I get on a plane without a Real ID?

Giannoulias said that the Department of Homeland Security has reassured him and other secretaries of state that travelers arriving at airports Wednesday will not be kicked off their flight if they don't have a Real ID.

"According to Homeland Security, there will be approximately a two-year grace period during which enforcement will not be strict. Even without a passport or a Real ID, you shouldn’t worry about being barred from your flight,” he explained. “Most likely, you’ll receive a warning and might need to complete some forms.”

The Transportation Security Administration stated that even without a Real ID or passport, you can still board a flight. However, this requires undergoing an enhanced identity confirmation procedure where they gather details such as your full name and present address to verify who you are.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will then have to go through enhanced screening at TSA checkpoints.

Other compliant forms of ID include a military identification card or a Trusted Traveler card from a program like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST. A full list of acceptable IDs can be found on the TSA website .

If you don't have acceptable ID, won't cooperate with additional identity verification, or your identity can't be confirmed, you will not be able to enter a security checkpoint.

If your identification doesn't meet the requirements, you might also be directed to a different section for completing your security check.

What can you anticipate when arriving at the airport beginning Wednesday?

Adam Stahl, who is serving as the acting administrator for TSA, spoke with CBS News Chicago to provide insights into what passengers can anticipate should they lack a Real ID and attempt to travel following the deadline to obtain one.

It will be simplest for those using other approved identification formats. However, even if you possess a valid state-issued yet non-compliant ID such as a driving license, you can still board your flight after undergoing additional scrutiny.

Visitors without a Real ID or passport ought to allocate an extra buffer time when heading to O'Hare or Midway airports, arriving at least three hours prior due to enhanced identification checks and security screenings. If you fall into this category, expect to join a dedicated queue or be redirected from the regular security lane to undergo further inspection elsewhere.

The Department of Homeland Security mentioned that using distinct queues for individuals possessing and not possessing Real IDs could be among the tactics employed by TSA to regulate passenger movement at security check points. Authorities further noted that during specific hours or within particular sections of airports, passengers lacking compliant identification might be rerouted to different lines. However, TSA aims to keep adaptability in place across screening areas so as to reduce hold-ups wherever feasible.

The TSA stated that passengers can still get through inspections even under adverse conditions; however, they stressed that these additional safety checks require more time and may cause delays in line movements.

“If someone arrives without any identification documents at all—like they misplaced their wallet over the weekend—we do have procedures for handling such cases,” explained TSA Great Lakes Regional spokesperson Jessica Mayle. “This process is quite lengthy, and we wouldn’t expect individuals lacking compliant IDs to require this extensive level of scrutiny or identity checks. However, they must provide some form of information.” She added, “Starting entirely from zero means undergoing an exceptionally thorough and prolonged procedure.”

When it comes to wait times, the TSA says the average at O'Hare in March was 2.5 minutes — jumping to 6.5 minutes in peak times, and even reaching a max 28 minutes.

Mayle mentioned that they continuously stay in touch with the airports and airlines. They can forecast hourly the number of travelers expected, ensuring adequate staffing to handle the demand and be prepared for their ongoing responsibilities.

Stahl said while enforcement begins Wednesday, you will still be able to get your Real ID after the deadline has passed, so if you don't have your Real ID yet, still plan to go out and enroll in the program as soon as is feasible.

Giannoulias asked residents who have other compliant forms of ID or who are not imminently traveling to wait to get their Real ID after the rush is over. It will take two to three weeks to receive your Illinois Real ID in the mail after you complete your application.

Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler , said he plans to test out how things go on Wednesday with Real ID rules in place.

"I booked the cheapest ticket I could from Minneapolis to Denver to check things out in two airports, and just kind of see how things shake out tomorrow," he said.

Potter is preparing for the worst.

"It’s been a lengthy process filled with numerous delays and extensions, so many Americans will likely still be surprised by these new regulations,” he stated. “Many citizens might have reasonably dismissed the necessity for obtaining a new ID to travel as an unrealistic expectation.”

However, Potter expressed his hope that he will be proven incorrect on Wednesday when everything is expected to go seamlessly.

He predicts that an increase might be seen in individuals enrolling in initiatives such as Clear or TSA PreCheck with the aim of reducing wait times at security checkpoints.

TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle said busier times of day at the airport may impact your trip. Mayle recommends coming prepared.

No matter whether you’re checking luggage or not, this is quite significant. We commonly advise arriving at the airport two hours early. Assuming you’ve got all required items, packed efficiently, and have your identification ready—if you realize you aren’t compliant with your ID requirements, make sure to allow some additional time beyond that recommendation.

Will people without a Real ID affect my wait time at the airport?

The TSA has stated that passengers using their REAL IDs should not face disruptions from individuals without compliant identification. They intend to manage this by designating specific lanes for enhanced screenings to maintain smooth operations. Individuals possessing non-compliant IDs will be redirected to these distinct lines away from the primary queue.

The map displays states' adherence to Real ID standards.

According to recent figures compiled by the CBS News Data Team, Illinois is lagging behind other Midwestern states when it comes to Real ID. As of April, only about one-third of all active Illinois identification is Real ID compliant.