IL Sec of State criticizes TSA fee option, extends REAL ID facility lease
(The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is criticizing the federal government’s plan to offer travelers without proper identification the option of paying a fee.
The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that, starting Feb. 1, 2026, it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID the option of paying a $45 fee to use an alternative identity verification system.
Giannoulias blasted the move at a press conference in Chicago on Wednesday.
“It’s not just a one-time cost. It’s a recurring penalty that places an unfair burden on Illinoisans who travel infrequently and who can least afford it,” the secretary said.
According to a TSA statement released Monday, the REAL ID law was signed more than 20 years ago, but previous presidential administrations failed to properly implement it.
“Under President [Donald] Trump’s leadership, the law was finally implemented and enforced by [Department of Homeland Security] Secretary Kristi Noem as of May 7, 2025,” the statement said.
According to the TSA statement, more than 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification.
TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov.
Giannoulias said his office is making it easier for residents to get their REAL ID before the fee is implemented Feb. 1.
“First off, we’ve extended the lease on our first-in-the-nation REAL ID supercenter through the end of 2026 to provide faster, more convenient service for the sole purpose of helping folks get their REAL IDs, and, of course, we’re continuing to offer REAL ID services at DMVs throughout the state,” Giannoulias said.
The REAL ID super center is located in downtown Chicago. The state of Illinois charges $30 for a REAL ID or basic driver’s license.
Giannoulias said Wednesday his office has streamlined its REAL ID portal, realid.ilsos.gov and continues to provide a dedicated call center helpline at (800) 252-8980.
Last month, Giannoulias announced that Illinois had begun offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet.
Libertarian Party of Illinois Chairman Jim Humay said Giannoulias’ moves to streamline operations and offer digital IDs do not mean the agency will be smaller or more efficient.
“Are they going to reduce the size of the motor vehicle division? I haven’t heard any discussions along those lines,” Humay told The Center Square.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Superintendent Warns of State Funding Gaps Despite Balanced Budget
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Board Approves New Early Childhood Curriculum and Technology Upgrades
Beecher Schools Review Test Data; ELA Scores Excel While Math Strategies Adjusted
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board for Jan. 5, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher for February 9, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
