CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s one week out from the REAL ID deadline.
Travelers will need one to easily get on a plane or into some government buildings, if they don’t have passports.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Long lines were spotted again Wednesday morning outside the Loop Supercenter.
That facility is only handling REAL IDs, and no appointments are needed.
RELATED: New push calls to delay REAL ID deadline
Travelers at Chicago airports are being cautioned by the Transportation Security Administration about the upcoming enforcement of the ID requirement for individuals over the age of 18, starting next Wednesday.
TSA PreCheck members are not exempt.
“If you intend to utilize your driver’s license or a state-issued identity card for domestic air travel, please ensure that these documents are compliant with REAL ID regulations,” advised Jim Spriggs, the TSA Federal Security Director for Illinois. “Look for a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the ID to confirm compliance.”
Other acceptable forms of ID include U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards, like Global Entry.
TSA says passengers without those documents or a Real ID can expect delays, additional screenings and the possibility of missing their flights.
Air travelers like Hannah Costie aren’t taking any chances; she got her REAL ID early.
“When you’re already concerned about catching your flight on schedule and navigating through TSA procedures, the last thing you want to worry about is whether a single ID will suffice,” Costie remarked.
After decades of delays, DHS’ enforcement deadline for REAL ID is finally here, just in time for the busy summer travel season.
“We’ll also make extra customer service personnel available to assist travelers in the terminal when the new requirements go into effect,” said Danny Vega, Chicago Department of Aviation managing deputy commissioner of security.
One woman said she doesn’t have her REAL ID yet, but will get it now, even though she doesn’t travel a lot.
“I would not want to be in the airport on May 7. It will be a nightmare for the people that work here and for the people that didn’t realize they’re supposed to have that,” Shannon Trask said.
Congress passed the 2005 REAL ID Act in response to the threat of terrorism.
States have been working to meet the security requirement for driver’s licenses and identification cards they issue.
The Illinois secretary of state says approximately 35% of the state’s residents have a REAL ID.
If you’ve already applied for your REAL ID and are waiting for it to come in the mail, you’ll still need more than your paper receipt to get through the airport.
“However, please come to the airport and bring that document; you may experience delays or additional screening, but you’re likely to move through through security and make your flight,” Spriggs said.
Officials would not give specifics about their additional screening methods.
Authorities are still encouraging people to meet the May 7 deadline, but admit hard enforcement may not happen until May 2027.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
