So You Wanna Be a REAL ID kinda Illinoian?
Let's face it, the whole ID thing can be a bureaucratic jungle. But fear not, fellow citizen, because we're here to navigate the tangled vines of getting a REAL ID in Illinois and emerge victorious... with slightly less patience than when we started.
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| How To Get The Real Id In Illinois |
Gear Up for the REAL ID Quest: What You'll Need
First things first, gotta grab your trusty documentation. Here's your shopping list (don't worry, it's more grocery store run than Indiana Jones):
- Proof of Identity (pick one):
- A certified birth certificate (think shiny gold seal, not that crayon drawing you did in kindergarten).
- OR A US passport (because who doesn't love a good passport story?)
- Proof of Social Security (bring on the tax docs!):
- Your Social Security card (the one you hide under your mattress, we know).
- OR A W-2 form (work stuff, but hey, it works).
- Proof of Residency (show some Illinois love):
- A utility bill (hope you haven't gone full-on vampire and skipped the electricity bill).
- OR A bank statement (adulting at its finest).
- Two Proofs of Your Signature (because who can forge your loopy cursive?):
- Your current driver's license (if it's not expired, that is).
- OR A credit card receipt (plastic fantastic!)
Bonus Round: If you've changed your name (think Beyonce), bring your marriage certificate or court order to prove it.
Super Mega Bonus Round: Do not bring photocopies. The REAL ID gods only accept the originals, so treat them with respect.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Appointment vs. Walk-in: Choosing Your REAL ID Adventure
Now, for the fun part (or maybe not so fun): deciding how you want to tackle the Secretary of State's office.
- Appointment Al la Mode: Feeling fancy? Make an appointment online and skip some of the waiting room shuffle.
- Walk-in Warrior: More of a spontaneous hero? Go for the walk-in option, but be prepared to wait with fellow adventurers.
Heads up: Appointments are mandatory at most Chicago-area facilities.
Conquering the REAL ID Challenge: D-Day at the DMV (wait, it's not the DMV?)
Alright, you've gathered your documents, chosen your path, now it's time to face the music (or lack thereof, because it's a government office). Here's what to expect:
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
- The Greeting: Brace yourself for a friendly (hopefully) welcome from the DMV... er, I mean, Secretary of State's office employee.
- Document Demolition Derby: Hand over your documents and hope they pass the scrutiny of the REAL ID overlords.
- Photo Finish: Smile (or don't, we won't judge) for your new REAL ID picture.
- The Waiting Game: Patience, grasshopper, patience. You'll likely receive a temporary ID while your REAL ID gets minted (with all the fanfare of a royal ceremony, one can only hope).
Champion Alert! You've braved the REAL ID gauntlet and emerged victorious. Your new ID should arrive within 15 business days, ready to grant you access to those oh-so-important age-restricted airplane rides (or maybe just the age-restricted section at the grocery store, no judgment).
REAL ID FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (with Lightning Speed!)
How to make an appointment for a REAL ID?
You can schedule your appointment online at the Illinois Secretary of State's website https://realid.ilsos.gov/.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
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How much does a REAL ID cost?
The fee for a REAL ID is $5, which is a small price to pay for hassle-free domestic air travel.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically?
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Starting in October 2021, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required for domestic flights.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID?
The REAL ID itself should arrive within 15 business days, but the whole process might take longer depending on wait times at the Secretary of State's office.
What if I don't have the required documents?
The Illinois Secretary of State's website has a handy dandy document guide to help you figure out what you need
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