Next year, airline travelers will face new identification requirements to board their flights. When enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025, the regular Wisconsin driver license or ID will no longer be accepted identification for domestic air travel or to enter a federal building or military base. Travelers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or state ID card or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport). 

Wisconsin’s driver licenses and ID cards have been REAL ID compliant since January 14, 2013. With renewals required every eight years, all Wisconsin residents have had the option to convert to a REAL ID.

“Under state law, Wisconsin DMV provides both options,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Administrator Tommy Winkler said. “Those who want the REAL ID designation should start now. Visit wisconsindmv.gov/REALID to learn about what documents are required to present at a DMV, start the application online, and make an appointment for service to make your trip as quick and convenient as possible.” 

To date, 62% of Wisconsin’s driver license or ID cards currently display the REAL ID star indicating they are federally compliant. In 2005, the federal REAL ID Act was passed by Congress to standardize state-issued driver licenses and ID cards to enhance security and prevent identity fraud. 

Costs and requirements to get a REAL ID

Those who already have a driver license or ID may obtain a REAL ID-compliant card for $14 (the cost of a replacement driver license) or $16 for an ID card. There is no additional fee if the upgrade takes place at the same time as the renewal. 

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, individuals must visit a Wisconsin DMV and bring the following original documents or a certified copy (not a photocopy, fax or scan):

●  Proof of Name and Date of Birth

●  Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S.

●  Proof of Identity

●  Proof of Name Change (if applicable)

●  Proof of Social Security number

●  Proof of Address

For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit wisconsindmv.gov/REALID.

For a personalized checklist of the required documents needed to bring to the DMV, check out the interactive Driver Licensing Guide. It also allows customers to pre-fill any required application(s), print and bring the forms or submit them electronically (if eligible). Customers are also able to print a checklist of required documents to bring. 

Quick facts:

●  Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The cards look similar: 

      o  REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star. 

      o  Non-compliant cards do not have the star or are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.” 

●  People may use other forms of ID, such as a passport. TSA offers a list of acceptable alternative identification cards: TSA.gov/REAL-ID 

●  Wisconsin DMV has been offering REAL ID to customers since January 14, 2013. 

●  Wisconsin has more than 3 million REAL ID driver licenses and ID card holders and nearly 1.9 million non-compliant cards.