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The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday
that, starting Feb. 1, 2026, it will refer all passengers who do
not present an acceptable form of ID the option of paying a $45
fee to use an alternative identity verification system.
Giannoulias blasted the move at a press conference in Chicago on
Wednesday.
“It’s not just a one-time cost. It’s a recurring penalty that
places an unfair burden on Illinoisans who travel infrequently
and who can least afford it,” the secretary said.
According to a TSA statement released Monday, the REAL ID law
was signed more than 20 years ago, but previous presidential
administrations failed to properly implement it.
“Under President [Donald] Trump’s leadership, the law was
finally implemented and enforced by [Department of Homeland
Security] Secretary Kristi Noem as of May 7, 2025,” the
statement said.
According to the TSA statement, more than 94% of passengers
already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of
identification.
TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov.
Giannoulias said his office is making it easier for residents to
get their REAL ID before the fee is implemented Feb. 1.
“First off, we’ve extended the lease on our first-in-the-nation
REAL ID supercenter through the end of 2026 to provide faster,
more convenient service for the sole purpose of helping folks
get their REAL IDs, and, of course, we’re continuing to offer
REAL ID services at DMVs throughout the state,” Giannoulias
said.
The REAL ID super center is located in downtown Chicago. The
state of Illinois charges $30 for a REAL ID or basic driver’s
license.
Giannoulias said Wednesday his office has streamlined its REAL
ID portal, realid.ilsos.gov and continues to provide a dedicated
call center helpline at (800) 252-8980.
Last month, Giannoulias announced that Illinois had begun
offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet.
Libertarian Party of Illinois Chairman Jim Humay said
Giannoulias’ moves to streamline operations and offer digital
IDs do not mean the agency will be smaller or more efficient.
“Are they going to reduce the size of the motor vehicle
division? I haven’t heard any discussions along those lines,”
Humay told The Center Square.
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