Hundreds Rush to Get Real ID at Chicago Supercenter Before Deadline

Illinois residents scramble to obtain Real ID-compliant cards before new TSA requirements take effect.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Hundreds of people lined up at a Real ID supercenter in downtown Chicago on Saturday to obtain the new federally-compliant identification cards before a looming February 1 deadline. The Illinois Secretary of State's Office reported processing about 150 people per hour at the location as residents rushed to get their Real IDs in time for new TSA rules that will require the cards for domestic air travel.

Why it matters

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established new federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting February 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept Real ID-compliant cards at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights, meaning those without the new IDs will need to use passports or other approved forms of ID, which could lead to delays.

The details

The line at the downtown Chicago Real ID supercenter formed throughout the day as residents brought the necessary paperwork to obtain the new cards. Many said they had procrastinated on getting the Real ID, with some only realizing the urgency after hearing about the upcoming deadline in the news. The process took less than an hour for most, though the TSA warned that those without Real IDs would have to pay a $45 fee and undergo a 30-minute identity verification at the airport.

  • The Real ID deadline is set for February 1, 2026.
  • The Illinois Secretary of State's Office reported processing about 150 people per hour at the downtown Chicago supercenter location on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Illinois Secretary of State's Office

The state agency responsible for issuing driver's licenses and ID cards, including the new federally-compliant Real ID cards.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency that will require Real ID-compliant cards for domestic air travel starting February 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I think I'm a pretty good procrastinator. I moved from Kentucky so I was like, well, 'I need to get all my residency stuff put in so I still have my Kentucky ID too and I was like, well, I'm gonna have to travel.'”

— Ava Tomb (nbcchicago.com)

“My relatives are telling me you're not going to make it to the airport if you don't have your Real ID so here, we are ready for it.”

— Selene Bivanco (nbcchicago.com)

“I actually have a passport, but my license was going to expire anyway this year, so I was waiting I didn't realize today was going to be the last day until I heard it on the news.”

— Cynthia Asoka (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The new TSA rules requiring Real ID-compliant cards for domestic air travel will take effect on February 1, 2026. Residents who do not have their Real ID by that date will need to use a passport or other approved form of ID, which could lead to longer wait times at airport security checkpoints.

The takeaway

The rush to obtain Real ID cards in Chicago highlights the importance for residents to be proactive in obtaining the new federally-compliant identification before the upcoming deadline. The process can be completed relatively quickly, but procrastination could lead to long lines and potential travel disruptions for those without the proper ID.