On Tuesday morning, a long queue formed outside the Loop Super Center, extending through the entire area across multiple city blocks. Hundreds of individuals hurriedly tried to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the Transportation Security Administration’s deadline on May 7.
As with Thursday, it occurred quite late in the day, extending for at least three city blocks,” stated Marlon Madison. “Hence, one must rise early and arrive promptly.
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The TSA has alerted passengers that starting from Wednesday, they won’t be permitted to board flights with a non-REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license.
“I live in the suburbs, but since no appointments were available, I had to drive for 50 minutes to come downtown today to obtain my REAL ID,” explained Janiyah Branch.
When the doors opened at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the REAL ID Super Center, there was already a queue stretching down the street.
“It’s quite an extensive, extensive, extensive process, but you know we will accomplish it,” Izabella Vidallo stated.
A lot of people started bringing chairs around 4:30 a.m., aware of the long wait ahead.
Today, I woke up around 3:30,” Vidallo mentioned. “Yesterday, I was here as well. When I arrived at about 7:30, it wasn’t such a great decision.
“I couldn’t get an appointment, and because I travel a lot for work and church, I had to hurry up and get it in when I could. If it was a line, it was a line,” said Michelle Morton.
“We procrastinated, and we’re going next month, so got to get this done quick,” said Paul Lefebvre.
Leilah Sampson drove 2.5 hours from Bloomington-Normal after waiting three hours on Saturday, she said, only to be told she was missing a required medical record that might impact her ability to drive.
“I feel awful, because I didn’t know,” Sampson said. “Nobody told me until I made it all the way inside, got to the camera, took my photo, and then someone said, ‘Oh, you need a medical report.'”
Many people said they have big travel plans coming up.
“I booked a flight, a hotel, a $2,000 cabana in Miami to visit my mother for Mother’s Day and I’ll be out of $3,000 if I don’t get this ID today by Friday,” Sampson said.
“My birthday is coming up Friday, so I need to travel. I need my ID,” Vincent Perez said. “No passport yet.”
“I reside in this region, and I don’t own a vehicle. Since my travel is scheduled for July, ” explained Olivia Pertchi.
In reaction to the terrorist threats, Congress enacted the 2005 REAL ID Act.
States have been striving to fulfill the security requirements for the driver’s licenses and ID cards they produce.
“I waited in line for two blocks and it took me four hours; I was about to leave but managed to secure one,” stated Ernest F. Ledbetter III.
Nevertheless, the deadline does not seem to be strictly enforced. This implies that individuals who have submitted an application for a REAL ID but are yet to receive it via mail might still proceed with their short-term travel arrangements.
“If it doesn’t meet compliance standards, we might reroute individuals to another process lane or add an additional step; however, they will still be permitted to board their flights,” stated U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Our aim is to ensure this process remains as smooth and effortless as possible.”
Noem also cautioned individuals older than 18 without REAL IDs that they can still travel by air using alternative federal identification documents like a valid passport, military ID, Green Card, or Global Entry Card.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said on Tuesday that May 7 is a TSA deadline, and emphasized that most individuals who have been dealing with lengthy queues do not need to be concerned about it.
“We’re urging people not to visit the Super Center. There’s a growing misconception that could turn hazardous—that if you haven’t obtained a REAL ID by today or tomorrow, you’ll lose your chance entirely. These IDs will continue to be issued indefinitely. You only need to come this week if it’s an absolute necessity,” stated Giannoulias.
With the Super Center office closing at 5 p.m., Giannoulias himself, along with Secretary of State workers, started warning folks to stop lining up around 4 p.m.
Giannoulias walked the long lines throughout Tuesday to help clear up any concerns.
“We will be issuing REAL IDs for the foreseeable future, throughout the summer, probably forever,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “So 90% of the people in line probably don’t need to be in line.”
Unfortunately for Myriam Larson, she made it to the front doors of the Real ID Super Center just to see them close.
“I waited in line for what seemed like ages, and just as I was about to reach the front, they told me I had to come back the next day,” Larson explained.
Noem informed lawmakers on Tuesday that 81% of individuals who travel by air already possess their REAL IDs.
Giannoulias states that around 35% of Illinois residents possess a REAL ID.
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How long is the process for obtaining a REAL ID?
The following are the criteria needed to obtain a REAL ID in Illinois:
1.
A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, having either an employment authorization document, a green card, or a foreign passport accompanied by an accepted I-94 form will suffice as well. Should you have undergone a name change, be sure to present relevant documentation of this alteration.
2.
Evidence of a complete Social Security Number (SSN).
Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub showing your complete SSN.
3.
Two present residency proofs that include your complete name.
Included are items such as: an electricity bill, lease contract, property title/deed, or a banking statement.
4.
Proof of your signature.
Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, cancelled cheque, or an up-to-date state driver’s license or state ID.
Illinois offers an interactive checklist to ensure applicants do not miss any steps. This checklist can be accessed.
here
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