(WAND) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is making accommodations to help Illinois residents adjust to new ID guidelines being set by TSA next year.

Starting February 1, the TSA will charge travelers without a valid form of ID, including REAL ID's and passports, $45.

In turn, Illinois is making moves to make it easier to get a REAL ID. These moves include:

  • Extending the lease on Illinois' REAL ID walk-in Supercenter in Chicago's Loop through the end of 2026 and continuing to offer REAL ID applications at all full-service DMVs throughout the state.
  • Streamlining the Secretary of State Office's REAL ID portal, enabling residents to more easily find what documents they need for a REAL ID and make an appointment.
  • Dedicating a call center helpline at 800-252-8980 to help ensure customers have the documents they need.

Giannoulias said that these efforts will help Illinoisans get a REAL ID without facing extra fees. 

"This is what we call reducing the time tax. We're cutting red tape, saving people time and helping them avoid surprise fees," Giannoulias said.

You can access the REAL ID portal for information about what documents you need and schedule an appointment to file for your REAL ID at a DMV near you.

"This is government working better for you, so please don't wait. Get your real ID today and avoid the expensive and unnecessary federal upcharge," Giannoulias said.

More Coverage:

Man reported missing found dead in Jacksonville

Ameren customers to receive bill credits following $38 million settlement

FLIP: Mt. Zion's JC Anderson flips commitment to LSU

Champaign council votes down ordinance to ban public camping

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.