Secretary of State’s office adds Saturday hours for REAL ID rush, with almost half of Illinoisans covered

The Illinois Secretary of State is launching Saturday hours at its downtown Supercenter to accommodate more residents trying to obtain REAL IDs before next month’s federal deadline to avoid fees at the airport.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has teamed with Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon’s office to streamline processing and offer services for the next three Saturdays before Feb. 1, when the Transportation Security Administration will start slapping $45 fees on travelers without the updated ID.

Expanded hours will be available at the walk-in REAL ID Supercenter, 191 N. Clark St., as well as at the clerk’s Vital Records Department, 118 N. Clark St., for residents who need to round up the additional documents needed for REAL IDs.

Almost half of Illinoisans have gotten REAL IDs, which have been required since last spring, though most travelers without them have only faced additional screenings and warnings. U.S. passports and Global Entry cards are acceptable in lieu of REAL IDs.

About 1.5 million people across the state got the updated ID last year, bringing coverage in the state to 44%, according to Giannoulias’ office.

“Illinoisans are making real progress towards complying with federal REAL ID requirements, but many still need one,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “With TSA’s $45 penalty just weeks away, we’re not only urging residents to act now. We’re making it easier and more convenient than ever with expanded Saturday hours, hundreds of new appointments, and our partnership with the Cook County Clerk’s office — delivering less hassle, less time, and no surprise fees at the airport.”

The TSA fees will be payable online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.

The downtown Supercenter will be open 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Jan. 17, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31. The clerk’s downtown office will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. those dates. Additional Saturday appointments will also be offered at 15 Chicago area DMVs.

Help from the clerk’s office is available at (312) 603-6278 or Clerk.RealID@cookcountyil.gov. The secretary of state’s help line is (800) 252-8980.

REAL IDs can be obtained at any DMV. Most in the Chicago area require an appointment, which can be made at ilsos.gov.