Illinois officials: No rush for Real ID unless you're flying soon without a passport

Chicagoans waiting hours in line for Real ID, officials offer advice

May 7 isn't a deadline to get a Real ID?it?s just when TSA starts enforcing it. Here's what you need to know.

CHICAGO - Real ID enforcement starts Wednesday, but Illinois officials say there’s no need to rush—especially if you’re not flying soon.

What we know:

Beginning May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will start enforcing federal Real ID requirements for air travel. But contrary to what some may think, that date is not a hard deadline for getting the enhanced ID.

Lines have already stretched for blocks at places like the downtown Chicago Super Center (191 N. Clark Street). Crowds wrapped around Lake Street and onto Dearborn near the Goodman Theatre on Monday, with some customers waiting more than three hours to enter the facility.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging residents to hold off—unless they have immediate travel plans and no passport.

"We don’t want to discourage people from getting a Real ID, but the fact is the vast majority of people do not need a Real ID before Wednesday," Giannoulias said. "Please, please, please know that we will be issuing Real IDs for the foreseeable future, probably forever."

What you can do:

You can still get a Real ID after May 7. There’s no cutoff for applying, and many people may find it easier to go later, once the initial surge dies down.

If you’re flying after the new enforcement date and don’t have a passport, passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler card, or another federally accepted form of ID, you’ll need a Real ID to board domestic flights.

According to Giannoulias, there will be a grace period instituted by the Department of Homeland Security.

According to an April press release issued by the TSA: "Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint."

If you already have a valid passport—or aren’t flying anytime soon—you can skip the Real ID lines for now.

Giannoulias emphasized that a Real ID is not required to:

• Drive a vehicle, if you already have a valid license
• Identify yourself with a standard Illinois state ID
• Travel for anyone under 18 years old

The Chicago Super Center site opens back up on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.