Don’t Forget: REAL ID Enforcement Starts This Wednesday in Illinois – Check Out the Requirements and Expect Long Lines

CHICAGO (WLS) — The federal deadline to get a REAL ID is Wednesday.

There have been long lines for days at the super-site in Chicago’s Loop with people waiting in line for hours.

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The Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants to remind everyone that the enforcement date at airports for REAL ID is May 7. However, you can still apply for a REAL ID after this deadline.

Giannoulias said if you’re not traveling soon after Wednesday you probably don’t need a REAL ID right away.

RELATED: Illinois Secretary of State Giannoulias expanding Saturday hours at DMVs as REAL ID deadline nears

He said with the large crowds right now, you may be better off waiting.

If you have a valid passport, military ID, Green Card, or Global Entry or you’re under the age of 18, you will not need a REAL ID to fly.

TSA says passengers without those documents or a REAL ID can expect delays, additional screenings and the possibility of missing their flights.

Real ID Saturdays and the REAL ID supercenter will remain open through the end of May to allow more people to get their IDs.

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.

READ ALSO | How long does it take to get a REAL ID?

Here are the requirements to apply for a REAL ID in Illinois:

1. To apply for a REAL ID, you will need to provide certain documentation: This includes a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship. For non-U.S. citizens, acceptable documents include an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. If you have changed your name, you must also provide the necessary 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.