CHICAGO — The REAL ID enforcement deadline is quickly approaching, but Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is stressing that for some, it may be optional.

The official deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, but Giannoulias is encouraging people not to waste their time at the DMV unless they absolutely need one as the surge in demand has created long lines.

As the deadline looms, some may wonder whether they need a REAL ID, that is why Giannoulias has introduced a new designated “Get a Real ID” portal on the Secretary of State website, which allows Illinoisans to determine if they need one before the deadline.

The portal will also help people find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment nearby.

Once the enforcement deadline arrives, a REAL ID-compliant ID will be needed to board domestic flights and visit certain federal facilities. Once the deadline passes, those who do not have a REAL ID may need to provide another form of identification, like a U.S. passport or military ID, to board a plane.

However, while a REAL ID will serve as a driver’s license, the updated ID will not be needed to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that does not require an ID, visit a hospital, or participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.

To accommodate the surge in REAL ID requests the Secretary of State’s office also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV locations exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMV locations beginning March 1 through May 10.

The following 12 locations will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will exclusively accommodate ID requests: Addison, Aurora, Chicago West (7301 W. Lexington Ave.), Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock.

The following six appointment-only DMV locations, which are currently open on Saturdays, will expand their operations for an additional five hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Chicago North (5401 N. Elston Ave.), Deerfield, Lombard, Naperville, Schaumburg and Springfield (Wabash Avenue). Appointments at these facilities must be made in advance.

REAL IDs cost $30, the same amount as a standard driver’s license.

Visit the Secretary of State’s Office website for the full REAL ID document checklist.