Kankakee Times

Illinois State House District 79 candidate, Jackie Haas, stated, "One year from now, Illinois residents will be required to possess a REAL ID card to board flights and visit certain federal offices." Haas is set to face Democrat William Morgan in the upcoming general election.

"One year from now, Illinois residents will be required to possess a REAL ID card to board flights and visit certain federal offices," said Haas, according to Facebook.

In a recent Facebook post, Haas referenced a My Stateline News report regarding the latest deadline for the REAL ID program. The May 1 article highlights that "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." MyStateline.com further reported that this deadline was deferred due to "a backlog at driver’s license facilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

Screenshot of Rep. Jackie Haas' May 16 Facebook post | State Representative Jackie Haas Facebook page

According to information on the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) website, individuals who do not have a US passport, do not visit military bases or use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation do not need a REAL ID. However, those without a passport or passport card who fly domestically, visit military bases or secure federal facilities must obtain a REAL ID. The SOS website confirms that all driver services facilities are issuing REAL IDs with mobile and express facilities being exceptions.

The process of obtaining a REAL ID is slightly more complex than acquiring a regular Illinois Driver’s License. The initial three steps remain identical: visiting a driver services facility and taking any required exams; providing proof of identity and proof of full social security number. While these steps conclude the process for obtaining a regular ID, applicants for REAL IDs must provide two current residency documents bearing their name and proof of signature. After receiving a temporary paper drivers license/ID at the facility and upon review of their documents, applicants will receive their permanent REAL ID within 15 business days according to information available on the Secretary of State’s Real ID website.

Representative Jackie Haas was elected to represent the people of Illinois’ 79th House District in December 2020. She currently serves as the CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Health. Previously, she worked as a social worker at Riverside Medical Center and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Valparaiso University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois-Chicago, according to her biography from the Illinois General Assembly.