Dupage Policy Journal

Stephanie Trussell, a candidate from Illinois, expressed her skepticism about the necessity of a Real ID and chose to renew her passport instead of dealing with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) delays. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Is the Real ID a real thing," said Trussell. "We were given a deadline and told we couldn't fly without it. In June I rushed to renew my passport online because it seemed easier than waiting at the DMV for hours. I was never asked for anything other than my IL license. They cost $30. Real ID."

As of May 7, 2025, the federal government will require travelers on domestic flights and visitors to certain federal buildings to present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license, state ID, or another accepted form of identification such as a U.S. passport. Non-REAL ID cards will no longer be valid for these purposes. Ahead of this deadline, Illinois has urged residents to upgrade their IDs. The Transportation Security Administration noted that states have expanded DMV capacity to meet demand.

In Illinois, obtaining a REAL ID costs the same as a standard driver’s license—$30—and applicants are required to appear in person with the necessary documents. The Secretary of State’s office said that the DMV visit typically takes about 10 minutes, not including the mailing time for the final card. According to ABC7 Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias confirmed both the price and average processing time ahead of the May 2025 deadline.

By early 2025, approximately 3.4 million Illinois residents—about 30% of driver’s license and ID holders—had obtained REAL IDs. The remainder continued using non-REAL ID credentials or relied on passports, passport cards, or military IDs for federal identification needs. Giannoulias said this mix reflected ongoing demand leading up to the May 2025 deadline, according to WGLT.

Trussell is a Republican politician who was the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor of Illinois in 2022 and later entered the race for House District 42. She has a background in conservative media, including as a radio talk show host, and her platform emphasizes parental rights, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. Her political career and campaign history are documented by Ballotpedia.