Illinois is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for Real ID, leading officials to open the nation’s first Real ID Supercenter in downtown Chicago. The new facility, located at the former Board of Elections voting supersite at Clark and Lake streets, is designed to alleviate pressure on other state offices, where long lines have formed despite freezing temperatures.
“Because people have waited until now to get their Real ID in record numbers, it’s a challenge on all our systems. It’s also a challenge on people wanting to renew their license or get a driver’s test or vision test. The system is being hammered.”
The demand for the identification is at an all-time high, with 10,000 applications processed statewide in a single day. In response, the new supercenter features 30 service counters and has the capacity to process approximately 2,500 Real IDs per day.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias acknowledged that the surge is straining the system, as many residents rush to obtain a Real ID before the May 7 federal enforcement deadline. After that date, travelers will need a Real ID, passport, global entry card, or military identification to board domestic flights.
Giannoulias also addressed misinformation surrounding Real ID, emphasizing that it is not required for driving, voting, or other forms of identification. Despite public concerns, he reassured residents that Real ID is solely for federal travel and access to certain secure facilities.
State employees quickly converted the space into a functioning supercenter, and Illinois residents seeking a license can now visit without an appointment.
