SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Starting May 7, a REAL ID will be required to fly within the U.S. unless travelers present a valid passport. But Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says residents shouldn’t worry — despite the official enforcement date, the federal government has built in a two-year grace period.
“This is a public service announcement,” Giannoulias said. “We’ve been screaming from the rooftops that the REAL ID deadline is not really a deadline.”
In April alone, Illinois issued more than 185,000 REAL IDs, with many residents crowding DMVs. Giannoulias clarified that REAL IDs will continue to be issued beyond May 7 and that people can still fly with regular IDs — though it may take longer at airport security checkpoints.
He urged people not to panic, adding, “Your regular driver’s license can still be used to drive, and your state ID remains valid for identification.”
The Secretary of State’s office hopes this message will ease confusion and reduce long lines, allowing smoother access to all DMV services.