Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging residents to get informed about REAL ID requirements as the May 7 deadline approaches.

Giannoulias emphasized that the date is not a strict deadline, as DMVs will continue to issue REAL IDs beyond May 7.

"On May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic flight," Giannoulias said. However, he noted that if individuals are not traveling immediately after May 7, they may not need a REAL ID right away.

Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias advised residents who do not need a REAL ID in May to consider delaying their visit to avoid long waits. The primary reason for Illinoisans over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft after May 7. Those with a valid U.S. passport, Military ID, Green Card, or Global Entry, as well as individuals under the age of 18, will not need a REAL ID to fly.

To accommodate the demand, Giannoulias announced the extension of the REAL ID Saturdays program and the REAL ID Supercenter until the end of May. He urged residents to confirm their need for a REAL ID before visiting a DMV.