When Do You Need Real ID?

You Can Handle Your DMV Business

Closer to Home This Week

Most transactions with the Illinois DMV (Secretary of State facility) can be handled online. But for specific transactions, such as applying for a first-time driver’s license or State ID, taking required road or vision tests, or handling specific title and specialized document filings, we need to visit a facility. That's especially true if we're upgrading to a REAL ID.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is only required to board domestic air flights and enter secure federal facilities. You must apply in person at a state DMV office with physical proof of your:

• Identity (original birth certificate or unexpired passport)
• Residency (two printed documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease)
• Social Security number (your card or a W-2 form)
• Signature (a current ID, credit card, or canceled check)

A gold star will be added to your driver's license or state ID card to indicate that it meets federal REAL ID requirements.

How much does a REAL ID cost?

The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) charges the same price for a REAL ID standard card as for a non-REAL ID version. 

• Driver's License Renewal: $30 for drivers ages 21 to 68.
• Upgrading Early: $5 if you have a standard, unexpired license that does not need a full renewal.
• State Identification Card: $20 for adults ages 18 to 64.
• Seniors: Free state IDs for residents age 65 or older, or $2–$5 for driver's licenses depending on specific age ranges.
• Youth under 18: $5 for a state ID card. 

To review and download the documents and fees required for all Illinois Driver's License/State IDs, click here.



Please note: If you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID, it can serve as a REAL ID when traveling by air in the U.S.

Here to serve,

Alderman, 5th Ward

Here are the details for tomorrow

Celebrate the New School Year with Us

Don't Forget Your Back-to-School Tax Break!

Back-to-school shoppers can enjoy a 5% state sales tax break until Sunday, Aug. 16, for purchases of certain clothes under $125 and school supplies. The state legislature passed the temporary back-to-school sales tax holiday as part of its annual budget.

Specific clothing items included in the sales tax holiday are coats, scarves, ties, belts, bathing suits, school uniforms, pants, dresses and shirts, as long as they sell for less than $125 per item. Qualifying school supplies include colored pencils, pens, folders, calculators, index cards and lunch boxes.

Not included are laptops, cellphones, cameras, makeup, hair accessories, purses, cleats and many types of art supplies. However, according to a state Department of Revenue bulletin, items that normally wouldn’t qualify but are bundled in a sale under $125, mostly consisting of school supplies or qualifying clothing, will also get the reduced tax rate.

Conducting a Job Search?

Here's Help

The City of Chicago Also Provides

Job Search Resources

The Chicago Department of Public Health has a variety of positions available. To learn about the details and qualifications, download the job postings here. You can find additional opportunities in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors year-round on the Careers page on the City's website. I encourage you to take advantage of this terrific resource.

Cook County Health Offers Free Screenings during Your Birth Month

Fun for All Ages

Tech-Loving Teens Can Still Plug into the

South Shore Tech Space

Ready, Set, Walk at Your Pace

Thursday Mornings at the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Center has launched a weekly exercise program called "At Your Pace," in partnership with Peace Runners 773, a non-profit organization that advocates for health equity.

Each session begins at Jackson Park Field next to Home Court with a guided warm-up, followed by a group walk or run. The route travels through the OPC campus and surrounding park. There's no performance pressure. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and move in a way that feels right for you.

August 13 and every Thursday until October 8, 2026

9:15 a.m.: Check in/Registration

9:45 a.m.: Dynamic Warm-Up

10 a.m.: "At Your Pace" Program

11 a.m.: Cool Down

The "At Your Pace" program is free, and registration is optional.

What Else Is Going On in the Fifth?



Run from Prostate Cancer on August 30

FREE Museum Days This Summer

Know When to Go

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 24-27 and 31 and Sept.1-2, 8-10, 15-16, 20-23, and 27-30; griffinmsi.org.

• Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 26 and Sept. 8-10 and 14-15; adlerplanetarium.org.

• Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Free for Illinois residents on Thursdays (July 30 and Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27) from 5 to 8 p.m.; artic.edu.

• Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 13 and 27 and Sept. 7 and 24; chicagohistory.org.

• Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents every Wednesday (July 29 and Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26); fieldmuseum.org.

• Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St. Free admission on the third Friday of each month (July 31 and Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28); heritageasianart.org.

• Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays (July 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25) from 5 to 9 p.m.; Every Tuesday through Aug. 25, the MCA hosts a free contemporary jazz concert. mcachicago.org.

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Aug. 24-26, and Sept. 8-11, 14-18, 21-25 and 28-30; naturemuseum.org.

• Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 26; sheddaquarium.org

Something Great Is Always Happening at Our Local Libraries

Films for the Family

For more information, click here.

ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FIFTH!

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