WFRV – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds residents state-wide that this is the last holiday travel season before REAL IDs are required.
According to a press release from WisDOT, the agency is encouraging frequent travelers in Wisconsin to update their driver licenses and ID cards before May 7, 2025.
The REAL ID Act will be enforced when flying domestically and entering federal buildings or military bases. The release says that a regular Wisconsin driver’s license or ID will no longer be accepted. However, WisDOT and the DMV say that a passport will still be accepted.
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WisDOT says that driver licenses and ID cards have been REAL ID compliant since January 2013 and all Wisconsin residents have had the option to convert to a REAL ID since then.
Under state law, Wisconsin DMV provides both options. Those who want the REAL ID designation should start now. Start the application online, and make an appointment for service to make your trip as quick and convenient as possible.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Administrator Tommy Winkler
The Wisconsin DMV reports that the state of Wisconsin already has more than 3 million REAL ID driver licenses and ID card holders as well as nearly 1.9 million non-compliant cards.
In 2005, the federal REAL ID Act was passed by Congress to enhance security and help prevent identity fraud.
The Wisconsin DMV offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star symbol and non-compliant cards do not have the star or will be marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”
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Officials are reporting that those Wisconsin residents who already have a driver license or ID may obtain a REAL ID-compliant card for $14 or $16 for a non-driver ID card and that there is no additional fee if the upgrade takes place at the same time as a 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 and how to get a REAL ID, visit wisconsindmv.gov/REALID.
