🪪 REAL ID Deadline May 7, 2025 – What You Need to Know!
Dear Neighbor,
I wanted to share an update from the Illinois Secretary of State that may affect you. For Illinois residents who travel domestically, the federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025, that will require you to use a valid U.S. Passport or get a REAL ID.
There have been some misconceptions about this deadline and who will need a REAL ID, so to clarify:
You DO NOT NEED a REAL ID to:
Drive
Vote
Identify yourself for general identification purposes
Enter a state building or federal building that does not require an ID to enter
Receive state or federal services
You NEED a REAL ID or valid U.S. Passport to:
Board a commercial aircraft as a mode of domestic transportation
Visit a military bases or secure federal facilities
To see what documents you’ll need to apply for a REAL ID, be sure to check out the REAL ID Interactive Checklist.
The Secretary of State has also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV facilities exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMVs beginning March 1 through May 10.
You can either schedule an appointment at one of the 30 appointment-only locations or visit a walk-in facility. And you can see which locations require appointments or to book an appointment directly head over to Secretary of State Facility Appointments.
My office is also here to help, and you can reach us at (773) 853-2570 or will@repguzzardi.com. We have a Mobile DMV coming up later this week that booked up quickly, so we know these services are a huge need in our district. Stay tuned for future mobile DMV events that we plan to host!
Please stay in touch, and all my best—
Will
Rental Assistance Program
The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is now open! RAP provides financial support to Chicagoans at risk of homelessness due to eviction, loss of income, or emergencies. Assistance may include future rent payments or past-due rent to prevent eviction or security deposits for those affected by fire, flood, foreclosure, or domestic violence. For more details on eligibility and documents needed, or to apply, visit chicago.gov/fss/RAP.
Financial Aid Application Workshop
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, in partnership with UIC’s Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) program is hosting a bilingual, English and Spanish, Financial Aid Application Workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Learn about federal and state financial aid options, get tips on completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application, explore UIC’s financial aid options and support services, and connect with advisors from UIC’s LARES program. The workshop will be at Foreman College and Career Academy, 3235 N LeClaire. Please register here.
Save Time and Money This Tax Season
Tax season is now – and there’s a better way to do your taxes this year thanks to IRS Direct File. This simple, secure, and always FREE tool is available to tax filers in 25 states. Head to directfile.irs.gov to see if you are eligible. Save time, money, and headaches this tax season. Complete your state return by Tuesday, April 15.
Chicago Park District Summer Jobs
Earn a paycheck, make friends, keep active, have fun, and make a difference by working in the parks! A variety of employment opportunities are available at the Chicago Park District this summer to suit all interests, schedules, and experience levels. These positions offer competitive wages, opportunities to build life skills, flexible work schedules, and pathways to careers and year-round employment. Another plus: working indoors and outdoors, depending on the position, and having summer nights off. Positions available for Chicago residents ages 16 and older include Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for Day Camp), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. Learn more, and apply now at chicagoparkdistrict.com/summer-jobs.