Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA’s $45 Penalty

SPRINGFIELD – With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID.

“With costs rising across the board, Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay a $45 penalty just to get on a plane, especially when that fee is higher than some flights themselves,” Giannoulias said. “We’re doing everything possible to remove barriers, save people time and make getting a REAL ID simple and stress-free. With a REAL ID in your wallet, you avoid TSA’s penalty entirely and skip a massive travel headache.”

To expand access, the office has extended the lease on its REAL ID walk-in Supercenter located in Chicago’s Loop through the end of 2026. It also continues to offer REAL ID services at DMVs throughout the state. Most located in Chicago and the suburbs require an appointment.

Giannoulias is also launching a new partnership with Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon aimed at cutting time, reducing hassle and ensuring that Illinoisans can secure their REAL IDs before the TSA penalty takes effect.

“Our office is committed to making it as convenient as possible for residents to access the vital records they need,” Gordon said. “By teaming up with the Secretary of State’s office, we’re expanding options and streamlining the process so Cook County residents can get their REAL ID required documents quickly, conveniently and without added stress.”

Those initiatives include:

• Helping residents obtain key identity documents – such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, which many residents don’t have readily on hand – more easily and efficiently.
• Designating cashiers at each Clerk’s office location to expedite REAL ID-related document requests.
• Establishing an appointment system to accommodate REAL ID-related document requests.
• Dedicating a telephone helpline at (312) 603-6278 and email address at Clerk.RealID@cookcountyil.gov exclusively for customers who need help getting appointments for REAL ID-related requests.

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The Secretary of State’s office has also streamlined its REAL ID portal – realid.ilsos.gov – allowing residents to quickly identify which documents they need, schedule an appointment and come prepared. A dedicated call center helpline – (800) 252-8980 – is available to assist customers in confirming they have the necessary paperwork before they arrive.

With TSA’s new penalty looming, securing a REAL ID – or traveling with a passport – is the smart move that saves Illinoisans from paying more each trip. For example, a flight from Midway to Boston on Southwest can cost less than TSA’s $45 Confirm.ID fee. A REAL ID keeps travelers covered for years, helping them avoid added costs, long lines and last-minute airport stress.

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