Illinois opens Real ID-only location ahead of May deadline

Why it matters: The deadline to get a Real ID is fast approaching on May 7 and for some people the new form of ID will be required to travel domestically and enter government buildings.

State of play: Last month, the SoS added nearly 2,500 available appointments at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs.

• There are also 12 DMV locations in Chicago and the suburbs open on Saturdays strictly for Real ID.
• The state did more than 10,000 Real ID transactions last Saturday, Giannoulias' office said in a statement.

Zoom in: The SoS website has a checklist to determine if you need a Real ID.

Zoom out: The TSA has not laid out plans for enforcing the Real ID, but the SoS said in a release that TSA has suggested it will be a "phased enforcement approach" over a two-year period."