Deerfield Facility Among Busiest For Getting Illinois REAL IDs

DEERFIELD, IL — The office of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says its Deerfield facility is one of the two busiest in the state for residents looking to get "REAL ID" cards. The new type of driver's licenses required for anyone who wants to fly domestically without a passport from October 2020 onward.

The office at the southwest corner of Waukegan and Lake Cook roads and the secretary of state's Lombard location have the highest volume of people applying for the new cards, according Beth Kaufman, deputy press secretary for White's office. The office in the process of hiring new employees and expanding facility hours, she said.

"We expect this increased volume to continue over the next 11 months as the Oct. 1, 2020 deadline, set by the federal government, approaches," Kaufman said in a statement. "We will do everything within our ability to serve Illinoisans who want to apply for a REAL ID prior to the Oct. 1, 2020 deadline." She did not respond to a request for the number of new ID cards issued at the Deerfield office.

Related:
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Other than the gold star icon on its upper corner, an Illinois driver's license compliant with the 2005 Real ID Act does not appear different than others. But they require significantly more paperwork to obtain.

Applicants will need a total of five documents. One proving identity (like a passport or a certified birth certificate), one proving your Social Security Number (could be a Social Security card, a pay stub or a tax return), one proving your signature (a current driver's license or a check works for this) and two proving your residency with your name and address, such as utility bills or bank statements.

The new IDs are not necessary if you have a passport already and you don't mind using it to take airplanes, visit military bases or visit secure federal government facilities.

"Our goal is to continue raising awareness about REAL ID so Illinoisans can make an informed decision on whether they want to apply for a REAL ID or keep their current driver’s license or ID card," White said last month in a release. "We are asking Illinoisans who choose REAL ID to come prepared with the necessary documents and to please be patient at the facility because the process takes longer due to the multiple documents required by the federal government."

White's office recommended resident go to its REAL ID website and use its interactive document checklist to make sure to bring the proper documents.