Still haven’t gotten around to getting your REAL ID?
You can still apply and get a temporary REAL ID the same day at Chicago’s REAL ID Supercenter—but not for much longer.
Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday that the downtown Supercenter will close at the end of 2026.
Here’s everything to know.
Chicago REAL ID Supercenter
The Chicago REAL ID Supercenter initially opened in March 2025, amid the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rollout of the nationwide REAL ID deadline.
The Supercenter was launched as a means of managing increased demand for new IDs as the REAL ID requirement took effect.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, requires U.S. citizens to possess a form of identification known as a REAL ID (or REAL ID-compliant form of identification) in order to access certain federal facilities.
After years of delays, the TSA began enforcing the law on May 7, 2025. Its introduction required travelers to present a REAL ID or other TSA-accepted form of identification to pass through airport security.
Alternative TSA-accepted forms of identification include passports, permanent resident cards, and other documents.
Passengers without a REAL ID or REAL ID equivalent document are subject to a $45 fee to attempt to confirm their identity through the TSA ConfirmID process.
When the REAL ID Supercenter will close and why
The Chicago REAL ID Supercenter, located at 191 N. Clark St. in the Loop, will close on Monday, December 28, 2026, according to a release from the ILSOS office.
Secretary Giannoulias confirmed the Supercenter initiative was successful in “helping Illinoisans navigate the federal REAL ID deadline.”
More than 175,000 REAL ID transactions have been processed at the Supercenter since March 2025.
Since then, REAL ID applications have returned to “more manageable levels,” with the ILSOS stating the Supercenter has met its primary goal.
“The REAL ID Supercenter is an example of what government can accomplish when we recognize a challenge and act decisively to put people first,” Giannoulias said.
“We faced an extraordinary moment at one of the busiest times in the office’s history and instead of allowing residents to face long lines, confusion and frustration, we developed an innovative and efficient solution that became a model for the nation.”
Last chance to get your REAL ID at the Supercenter
The REAL ID Supercenter will remain open for walk-in service only through December 28.
Chicagoans can apply for their REAL ID on-site and get a temporary identification document the same day, before receiving their official REAL ID by mail within 15 business days.
Applicants must present a proof of identity to obtain their REAL ID, such as a valid passport or birth certificate.
Applicants must also provide their Social Security number, two documents proving Illinois residency, and proof of signature.
Illinoisans will continue to have access to REAL ID services at statewide DMVs once the Supercenter closes.
