Chicago, IL — Senator Sara Feigenholtz, State Rep. Yoni Pizer, and Ald. Tom Tunney join Secretary of State Jesse White’s office for a Real ID Information Session and Mobile State ID event on March 14th from 10am-2pm at the Center on Halsted.
“Community members have been calling our office frustrated with long waits and confused about what documents are needed for a REAL ID. So, we thought it would be a great idea to bring the Secretary of State’s office to them to ensure that their questions are answered,” Feigenholtz remarked.
The event will also include a discussion about gender-neutral markers on Illinois driver’s licenses and ID cards, set to become an option for applicants when the current vendor contract ends in 2024.
“Transgender and nonbinary people are often met with resistance when their IDs don’t match their gender expression. This law is a huge step forward, but we have a lot of work to do to educate the community about the options that are becoming available to them,” added Pizer.
“I am happy to partner on this State ID event for those that do not need a Real ID and look forward to working with Senator Feigenholtz, Representative Pizer and Secretary of State Jesse White on making the Real ID more accessible to our constituents,” added Tunney.
The overlapping legislative districts and 44th ward arehome to Boystown — one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the country. According to a 2015 survey from the National Center for Transgender Equality, 34% of trans people in Illinois reported being harassed, denied benefits or service, asked to leave or assaulted when their gender presentation didn’t match their identity documents.
In addition to the REAL ID info session, attendees can also renew standard state drivers licenses and apply for or renew State IDs on the premises. The Secretary of State’s office will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Real IDs will not be available at the mobile site.
