With the Real ID deadline looming, Chicagoans have been spotted in lines outside the Loop's Real ID Supercenter at 191 N. Clark St., as early as 4:30 a.m., vying to secure their federally mandated identification cards. The rush comes despite repeated announcements from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias that many may not need this credential by the deadline on Wednesday. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Giannoulias has stated, "The vast majority of people do not need a Real ID before Wednesday." Moreover, alternate forms of ID, such as a valid U.S. passport or green card, will suffice for air travel and access to federal buildings.
Officials with the Transportation Security Administration clarified that enforcement of the Real ID for airport use won't be immediate, signaling a gradual phase-in rather than a cutoff. As NBC Chicago reports, Sec. Giannoulias emphasized this cushion, "Homeland Security has let us know that even after May 7th, there will be essentially a two-year enforcement period where they're not going to not let people onto an airplane."
Despite the secretary's efforts to dispel myths and clarify the Real ID landscape, confusion has prevailed, leading to the supercenter processing an unprecedented 1,600 IDs daily. Giannoulias expressed frustration at this response, as unnecessary queues amassed, making it harder for people requiring other services from the Secretary of State. "We’ve literally had over a dozen press conferences on Real ID...it’s a federal mandate," Giannoulias told the Chicago Sun-Times.
For those who determine a Real ID is necessary, the Secretary of State’s Office urges residents to book appointments via their website. However, walk-ins are still welcome at the downtown Chicago supercenter, designed to accommodate the high volume of applicants with 30 service counters. According to NBC Chicago, residents have been warned that "due to the federally-mandated Real ID requirements, our facilities and website have been overwhelmed with requests for Real IDs." The state has responded by adding nearly 2,500 daily appointments at various DMVs to help manage the crowds.
