Congressman García Joins Secretary Giannoulias to Release REAL ID Video 

CHICAGO— To ensure every Illinoisan gets the facts about REAL ID, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García joined Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and released a video specifically geared toward Spanish-speaking residents. 

García shared information about who needs a REAL ID and why, directing Illinoisans to the “Get A REAL ID” portal on the Secretary of State’s website – realid.ilsos.gov. 

“Our community deserves the facts on REAL ID, and easy options for how to get one,” García said. “Secretary Giannoulias has expanded hours and appointments to help meet this unprecedented demand, and will continue to ensure that Illinoisans can get a REAL ID by May 7th and beyond.” 

“It’s critical that everyone understands whether or not they need a REAL ID,” Giannoulias said. “I’m grateful to Congressman García for sharing this information, clearing up misinformation and getting the truth out about REAL IDs.”

The REAL ID portal translates into dozens of languages, including Spanish, to ensure every Illinoisan can get the information they need.

The video can be viewed and downloaded here (password: REALID).

The transcript of García’s remarks is as follows: 

SPANISH:

Hola, soy el Congresista Chuy García.

Es posible que hayas escuchado mucho sobre la Real ID últimamente y te preguntes cómo te afecta a ti y a tu familia.

NO necesitas un Real ID para conducir, comprobar tu ciudadanía o solicitar beneficios.

SÍ necesitas un Real ID para volar después del 7 de mayo si no tienes un pasaporte válido, Global Entry o una identificación militar.

La Oficina del Secretario de Estado de Illinois Alexi Giannoulias ha ampliado su horario de atención sin cita previa los sábados y ha agregado más citas.

Visita ILSOS.GOV hoy mismo para averiguar si TÚ necesitas un Real ID.

Ahí podrás aprender CÓMO y DÓNDE obtenerlo.

Y recuerda, siempre puedes obtener un Real ID después del 7 de mayo.

Gracias. 

ENGLISH: 

Hi, I’m Congressman Chuy Garcia. 

I bet you’ve heard a lot of talk about Real ID lately, but here is what you need to know. 

You DON”T need a Real ID to drive, prove citizenship or apply for benefits. 

You DO need a Real ID to fly after May 7th if you don't have a valid passport, global entry or military ID. 

The Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has expanded walk-in hours on Saturdays, and added more appointments. 

So visit ILSOS.GOV today to find out if YOU need a REAL ID. 

There you can learn about HOW and WHERE you can get one. 

And remember, you can always get a REAL ID AFTER May 7th. 

Thank you. 

Illinois residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents they need before heading to a DMV. 

Some Illinois DMVs require an appointment, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead and visit www.ilsos.gov if they need to schedule one.

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