Illinois Questions: Can You Fly Without Real ID After May 7th?

I really don't want to be that guy, but...the clocking is ticking on the May 7th deadline to have a Real ID card if you want to fly domestically here in the US from Illinois, or anywhere else for that matter. There's a reason you're hearing about Real ID so much more than you have before, and the reason is you have less than a month to be compliant.

Or do you?

What happens if you show up at the airport on May 8th without having a Real ID? Are you going to be denied the ability to board a domestic flight? Will you be singled out in front of everyone and embarrassed by TSA? Are they going to kick your not-having-a-Real-ID-butt out of the entire airport?

One of those things actually could happen.

The Deadline To Get Your Illinois Real ID Is May 7th, And Illinois Driver Facilities Have Been Seeing Huge Demand For Them--But Even The Illinois Secretary Of State Has Pointed Out That Not Everyone Will Need One, Especially If All You're Doing Is Driving

Apparently, part of the reason for the high demand for Real IDs at Illinois driver's facilities is due to some internet misinformation. In particular, the rumor that you will need one to drive your vehicle and that you'll be ticketed or arrested if you don't have one.

Totally false, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

NBCChicago.com:

"I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a Real ID, but the fact is that not everyone needs a Real ID on May 7-- and in some cases might not ever need one," he said. "However, if you do need one to fly on May 7 or 30 days beyond that date, I recommend getting one sooner rather than later."

Because of the current demand for Real IDs in Illinois, 12 DMV facilities are taking part in "Real ID Saturdays," where residents will be able to obtain a Real ID without needing an appointment. Find the list of DMV locations participating in the program here.

Okay, If You're Someone Who Has No Plans On Flying Anywhere At Anytime, Just Driving, You Do Not Need A Real ID--But What If You Are Planning On Flying Somewhere? Do You Need One Then?

I can answer that easily in two words: Yes and no. Before you roll your eyes at what certainly appears to be a non-answer, let me explain. Better yet, TheHill.com has a better explanation than I do:

If you do not have a REAL ID and have a domestic flight planned for departure after the May 7 deadline, don’t panic: You can use another approved form of identification to board your flight. The TSA lists several on its website, including a passport or passport card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (four states issue these), a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, or a Veteran Health Identification Card, among others.

And, if you show up at the airport with no Real ID or any of the other approved forms of identification, you may still be okay because you might still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process with a TSA officer.