The requirement of having an ID card to function and engage in everyday life is not a modern concept. IDs have existed and been used for thousands of years throughout history. What is contemporary is the notion and process of ID verification against data housed in a centralized database. As technology has progressed, standards and innovations in verification have also advanced. With the volatility of the day, Congress determined there was a need for a new form of identification, the Real ID.
The Real ID Act of 2005 establishes that driver’s licenses and other identification cards issued by states and territories in the United States must satisfy the requirements for accessing government facilities and nuclear power plants. Additionally, Real IDs will replace former identification cards for travelers flying domestically. The Real ID provides a federally standardized form of identification.
Despite hurdles delaying the enactment of the Real ID, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently reported that the previously proposed May 7, 2025 deadline for implementation will stand. As a result, U.S. travelers who choose to board federally regulated commercial aircraft or who wish to enter into certain federal facilities will be required to show their Real ID. With this update, the Illinois Secretary of State is urging residents not to wait to obtain their Real ID if they have not done so.
“Get Real Illinois”
Many more forms of proof of identity are required to file for and obtain a Real ID, far more numerous than what has been previously accepted for standard state driver’s licenses and ID cards. In Illinois, residents can go to any Driver’s Services facility to obtain their Real ID, although mobile units and express facilities do not issue Real IDs.
Since the deadline for obtaining a Real ID is looming, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has been trying to motivate Illinoisans to update their identification cards to the Real ID. The “Get Real Illinois” campaign launched by Giannoulias’ office aims to inform residents of the Real ID, the deadline for obtaining a Real ID, and the documents that need to be filed.
A Real ID will be a requirement for visiting certain federal facilities, but a regular form of identification may still be used to fly domestically as long as it is paired with a valid passport.
Giannoulias has said that he expects the demand for the Real ID to increase dramatically as the deadline approaches, which could lead to “crazy, unmanageable lines at our facilities and major issues for individuals and their families at our airports.” This chaos is something that the Secretary of State is hoping to avoid.
Due to the confusion and mistrust in government agencies, Giannoulias has emphasized the importance of clearing everything up and providing resources to residents to determine what is best for their unique circumstances. The reality is that a Real ID is not necessary to drive a vehicle, and some individuals will never need to get one. Giannoulias admits his offices’ attempts to connect with Illinoisans concerning Real ID are not to force the new identification on them; however, at the same time, he does not want to discourage anyone from choosing to obtain a Real ID.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you are facing legal troubles, you may need a Real ID. It is essential to understand the laws and how they apply to you and your case. Since securing the best outcome is critical, you must know what is needed to meet this objective.
If you have questions and would like informative legal counsel and effective representation, an attorney at Glasgow and Olsson can meet with you and help.
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Speak with our Criminal defense attorneys in Chicago today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.