Chicago residents looking to obtain a REAL ID will now have access to a new, dedicated facility in the Loop as the May 7, 2025, federal deadline approaches. The REAL ID Supercenter, located at 191 N. Clark St., officially opened its doors on Wednesday, March 12, and will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is a walk-in-only location exclusively serving REAL ID applicants.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that complies with federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. Beginning May 7, 2025, individuals aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses.
While the official deadline is on Wednesday, May 7 the Illinois Secretary of State website states that people will be able to use U.S. Passport for traveling.
The website states that “due to the federally-mandated REAL ID requirements, our facilities and website have been overwhelmed with requests for REAL IDs. As a result, we’re asking everyone to make sure they really need a REAL ID before booking an appointment or visiting a facility. The May 7th date is NOT a final deadline and everyone can travel with a valid U.S. Passport.”
How to get a REAL ID in Illinois
To apply for a REAL ID, applicants must visit a designated DMV or the new REAL ID Supercenter in person with specific documents, including:
Proof of identity: A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or another government-issued document.
Social Security Number verification: A Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with the full Social Security number.
Two residency documents: Utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements, or mortgage documents displaying the applicant’s full name and current address.
Proof of signature: A signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or a current state driver’s license or ID card.
Photocopies are not accepted, and all documents must be valid and in their original form. Applicants can review an interactive checklist on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to ensure they have the required paperwork before visiting a facility.
Why open a REAL ID supercenter?
The new REAL ID Supercenter aims to alleviate the growing demand for REAL IDs and ease the strain on existing DMV operations. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias stated that the center’s opening is part of a broader effort to streamline services and accommodate last-minute applicants ahead of the deadline.
To further assist applicants, Chicago-area DMVs have expanded their Saturday hours and added 2,500 additional daily appointments for REAL ID processing. Additionally, “REAL ID Saturdays” have been introduced at selected DMV locations to offer exclusive walk-in services through Saturday, May 10.
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