Wed Feb 05 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Illinois Residents Rush to Obtain Real IDs Before May 7th Deadline

**Chicago, IL –** With the May 7th deadline fast approaching, Illinois residents are scrambling to obtain Real IDs, a federally mandated form of identification required for domestic air travel. The U.S. government will no longer accept standard driver’s licenses for domestic flights after this date; only Real IDs or U.S. passports will be accepted.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is experiencing a surge in appointment requests, with slots filling up rapidly. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias previously warned of potential issues as the deadline nears, expressing concern over the high volume of residents needing to obtain the Real ID.

As of December 31, 2024, only 25.34% of valid Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs are Real ID-compliant, totaling 3,295,078 issued. A Real ID costs $30, the same as a standard Illinois driver’s license.

To alleviate the pressure, the Secretary of State’s office recommends booking appointments early, with new slots released daily at 6:30 a.m. Alternatively, Illinois residents can obtain a Real ID without an appointment at the Secretary of State booth during the Chicago Auto Show, running from February 8th to 17th at McCormick Place. A checklist of required documents is available on the Secretary of State’s website. Residents are urged to act quickly to avoid potential travel disruptions.

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