East Central Reporter

Illinois State House District 102 candidate Adam Niemerg stated, "Here's what you should know about REAL IDs ahead of the May 2025 deadline." Niemerg made this statement in a Facebook post on June 13.

"Here's what you should know about REAL IDs ahead of the May 2025 deadline," said M Niemerg, according to Facebook.

According to a May 1 report from My Stateline News on the newest deadline for the REAL ID program, "After May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept identification that does not meet the standards established in the Real ID Act of 2005, which was passed in response to the 9/11 attacks." The report also notes that the deadline was pushed back due to "a backlog at driver’s license facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

Screenshot of Rep. Adam Niemerg's June 13 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg Facebook page

According to the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) website, individuals who do not have a U.S. passport, do not visit military bases, or do not use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation do not need a REAL ID. Those who don’t have a passport or passport card and who fly, visit military bases, or visit secure federal facilities must get a REAL ID. All driver services facilities are issuing REAL ID cards, with exceptions being mobile and express facilities.

The process to obtain a REAL ID is slightly longer than obtaining a regular Illinois Driver’s License. The first three steps are identical: visiting a driver services facility and taking any required exams; providing proof of identity; and providing proof of a full Social Security number. While the process for a regular ID ends there, a REAL ID applicant must also provide two current residency documents with their name and proof of signature. They will receive a temporary paper driver's license/ID at the facility, and after documents are reviewed, applicants will receive a permanent REAL ID within 15 business days.

Niemerg was first elected in 2020. He describes himself as a "fiscal conservative focused on reducing taxes and fighting for limited government and pension reform," according to his official biography. He is currently serving as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.