East Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, representative for Illinois' 110th House District, announced that starting May 7, individuals over the age of 18 will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license, ID card, or passport to access certain federal buildings or to fly within the United States.

"Beginning today, every person 18 years and older must present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification — like a valid U.S. passport — to board a flight within the U.S. or enter a secure federal building," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative for 110th District (R), according to Facebook.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State website, those who do not visit military bases or fly domestically are not required to have a REAL ID. However, individuals without a passport or passport card who intend to fly, visit military bases, or enter secure federal facilities must obtain one. Most driver services facilities in Illinois are issuing REAL ID cards. The process for obtaining a REAL ID involves additional steps compared to acquiring a regular Illinois driver's license. These steps include visiting a driver services facility and taking any necessary exams, providing proof of identity and a full Social Security number, and presenting two current residency documents with the applicant's name and proof of signature.

Screenshot of State Representative Blaine Wilhour's May 7 Facebook post | State Representative Blaine Wilhour's Facebook page

To facilitate the acquisition of REAL IDs for more residents of Illinois, some facilities now process applications on Saturdays. According to the Secretary of State’s website, most locations offer these services exclusively on Saturdays. Facilities in Addison, Aurora, Chicago West, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan, and Woodstock operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on May 24. In Chicago North and South as well as Deerfield, Lombard, Midlothian, Naperville, Schaumburg, and the Springfield Flagship Center appointments are mandatory for obtaining a REAL ID. Road tests and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) services are available until noon at these locations. In Bridgeview and Orland Park as well as other specified areas appointments are also required.

Wilhour has served as the representative for the 110th District since 2019. A lifelong resident of Illinois and former member of the Illinois Army National Guard from 1999 to 2005—during which he was deployed to Europe in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom—his political career includes serving on the Fayette County Board. He is also a managing partner at his family's post-frame construction company located in Effingham County.