As the May 7 deadline for obtaining a REAL ID approaches, state officials are urging residents to prepare for the upcoming requirements. The Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, has clarified federal ID confusion and emphasized that not everyone will need a REAL ID. To accommodate the rush, DMVs across the country, including Illinois and Pennsylvania, are adding more appointments and hosting special events to help residents meet the requirement. Travelers will be required to present a REAL ID for domestic flights starting in 2025, and many states are experiencing a surge in applications as residents seek to comply with the new regulations. Authorities are advising individuals to check their IDs for compliance and act quickly to secure their REAL IDs to avoid any travel disruptions.