Politics

Select Chicago-Area DMV Facilities Will Open Saturdays to Meet ‘Unprecedented Demand’ for REAL IDs

A dozen DMV facilities in the Chicago area will open on Saturdays starting this weekend to accommodate an “unprecedented demand” for REAL ID services, with just over two months until the federal enforcement date, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

Starting May 7, people over the age of 18 who plan to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities must have one that is REAL ID compliant.

Due to the surge in demand, the Secretary of State’s Office launched an online portal so residents can determine whether they need a REAL ID before the federal enforcement period begins. The office is asking residents to wait until after May 7 to apply if they do not have immediate travel plans.

“Most people don’t need a REAL ID, and if you do need one, you most likely don’t need one by May 7,” Giannoulias said. “I’ve specifically stopped referring to the May 7 deadline as a deadline because it is not a deadline. After May 7, you will still be able to get a REAL ID.”

The following dozen DMV facilities will open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accommodate REAL ID requests exclusively on a walk-in basis through May 10.

• Chicago West, 7301 W. Lexington Ave.
• Suburban facilities in Addison, Aurora, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock

In addition, six DMV appointment-only locations currently open on Saturdays will expand hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m through May 10. Appointments at these facilities must be made in advance.

• Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave.
• Deerfield, Lombard, Naperville, Schaumburg and Springfield

Giannoulias is asking individuals to make certain they need a REAL ID before visiting a DMV.

Alternate forms of identification can be used instead of a REAL ID, such as a valid U.S. passport, global entry card or military ID. REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle and are not required for valid identification or proof of citizenship, Giannoulias said.

Currently, about 30% of Illinois residents hold a REAL ID driver’s license or ID.

As of Feb. 24, the Secretary of State’s Office saw 860,000 people trying to make appointments this month, according to Giannoulias. The office had a record of 530,000 people seeking REAL ID appointments in January.

Last week, the office increased the number of available daily appointments by nearly 2,500 at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs. Giannoulias said appointments fill up fast, and the office adds new day-of appointments at each facility every morning and new appointments for later in the week each afternoon.

“While the addition of Real ID Saturdays will inevitably help, the demand is showing no signs of slowing down,” Giannoulias said.

People applying for a REAL ID must do so in-person at an Illinois DMV. Residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | [email protected]

---