Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias | BlueRoomStream
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says there is no need for most Illinoisans to wait in line for a REAL ID.
Starting Wednesday, the U.S. government will require a passport, REAL ID or other REAL ID-compliant identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities.
Giannoulias said you can still get a REAL ID after May 7.
“So to see these lines is really frustrating, especially because so many people do not need it,” Giannoulias said.
Courtesy of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office
The secretary added that, according to federal officials, people will still be able to fly.
“Homeland Security has let us know that even after May 7, there will be essentially a two-year enforcement period where they’re not gonna not let people onto an airplane,” Giannoulias said.
Giannoulias said people should check the Illinois Secretary of State website to see if they need REAL IDs before making appointments. He said people under 18 do not need REAL IDs.
Giannoulias pointed his finger at the federal government for long lines and confusion over REAL IDs.
“The amount of people who are coming because they are worried about being deported or not being American citizens, that fear is real. We see it in people’s faces,” Giannoulias said.
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