The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as a state driver’s license and state identification card. Change never comes easily, so it probably is no surprise that the deadline for getting a REAL ID has been kicked down the road a few times. But, after several starts and stops a firm deadline of May 7th, 2025 is quickly approaching and a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, permit, or identification card will be required to board commercial airplanes or access certain federal facilities.
Imagine the stress of going to your local license branch to obtain your REAL ID only to find out that you have an issue with your name or you are unable to produce the necessary documents needed to get your REAL ID. You may have to actually initiate a court case for a name change or a declaratory judgment. The good news is if you live in Hammond, you may qualify for free legal services through the Hammond Legal Aid Clinic to assist you in navigating your way through the process of obtaining your REAL ID. Clinic Executive Director, Kris Costa Sakelaris said, “The Clinic has successfully assisted dozens of Hammond residents through court proceedings to successfully obtain their REAL ID over the past six months.” “We have seen an increase in these cases as we get closer to the May deadline,” she added. To find out how to apply for legal services and for more information please call the Clinic at 219-853-6611.
The Hammond Legal Aid Clinic was established in 2004 under Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. to assist Hammond residents with their civil legal issues if they meet the residency and income guidelines. At its inception, the Clinic was the first of its kind in the nation in that it functioned as an actual city department that was housed in Hammond City Hall. After the first four years, the Clinic, with Mayor McDermott’s support, became an independent 501(c)(3) agency, currently located at 1402 – 173rd Street in Hammond. To date, the Clinic has assisted over 5800 Hammond residents.
