Illinois Residents Flocking to Get Enhanced Driver’s Licenses Ahead of Real ID Deadline
As the October 1st deadline for Real ID compliance approaches, Illinois residents are rushing to obtain enhanced driver’s licenses to ensure they will be able to fly domestically and enter federal facilities without issue. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set federal standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Starting in October, U.S. residents will need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
The enhanced driver’s license, also known as the EDL, is a state-issued driver’s license with additional documentation that allows for its use as a border-crossing document to travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. In Illinois, the enhanced driver’s license includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that allows for quicker processing at land and sea ports of entry.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has been urging residents to upgrade to the enhanced driver’s license well ahead of the deadline to avoid any potential issues with travel or access to federal facilities. “We want to make sure that Illinois residents are prepared for the upcoming changes and have the proper identification they need to travel and conduct business,” White said in a statement.
The process to obtain an enhanced driver’s license is similar to getting a regular driver’s license, but there are additional requirements and fees. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship or legal U.S. residency, identity, and proof of Illinois residency. The enhanced driver’s license costs $30 on top of the regular driver’s license fee.
Since the beginning of the year, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has seen a significant increase in the number of people applying for enhanced driver’s licenses. Long lines have been reported at some DMV offices, with wait times stretching for hours in some cases. Many residents are concerned about the potential for delays or issues if they wait until closer to the deadline to upgrade their licenses.
“I knew I needed to get my enhanced driver’s license before the deadline, so I decided to get it done early to avoid any last-minute rush,” said Sarah Johnson, a Chicago resident who recently upgraded her license. “It was a bit of a hassle with the longer wait times, but I’m glad to have it done now and not have to worry about it later.”
In addition to the increased demand for enhanced driver’s licenses, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has been working to educate residents about the Real ID Act and the upcoming changes to travel requirements. Informational materials have been distributed at DMV offices, and outreach efforts have been made to alert residents to the deadline and the potential consequences of not having a Real ID-compliant license.
For those who are unable to obtain an enhanced driver’s license or who do not wish to get one, there are alternative forms of identification that will be accepted for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. These include U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, and certain forms of federal identification such as DHS Trusted Traveler cards.
However, officials are encouraging residents to consider getting the enhanced driver’s license if they travel frequently to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, as it can streamline the entry process at land and sea ports of entry. The RFID chip allows for faster processing and can save time for travelers crossing the border.
As the October 1st deadline for Real ID compliance looms, Illinois residents are taking steps to ensure they will be able to travel and access federal facilities without issue. The increased demand for enhanced driver’s licenses has led to longer wait times at DMV offices, but many residents see the upgrade as a necessary step to avoid potential hassles in the future.
With the deadline fast approaching, officials are urging residents to act quickly to obtain the proper identification they will need for future travel. The enhanced driver’s license is a convenient and efficient option for frequent travelers, providing a seamless experience when crossing the border and entering federal facilities. As Illinois residents rush to upgrade their licenses, the countdown to the Real ID deadline continues, with only a few months left for travelers to ensure they are compliant.
