Wisconsin REAL ID reminders; new requirements start May 7, 2025

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin DMV and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) held a joint news conference at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport on Tuesday, March 11, ahead of the REAL ID deadline on May 7. 

What is a REAL ID?

What we know:

Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins May 7 – the regular Wisconsin driver's 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's license or state ID card or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport).

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Wisconsin’s driver's 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.

Sample Wisconsin driver's license ID card (Courtesy: WisDOT)

You are invited to 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.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said so far, Wisconsinites appear to be on track. 63% of valid drivers license or id cards in the Badger State already have the Real ID star that you can see on the top right-hand corner.

Costs, requirements to get REAL ID

What we know:

Those who already have a driver's license or ID may obtain a REAL ID-compliant card for $14 (the cost of a replacement driver's 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's 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.

Potential delays

What they're saying:

"Every traveler 18 years or older must have a Real ID," TSA Wisconsin federal security director Mark Lendvay said. "If you don't have a Real ID By the May 7 deadline, your traveling experience may be delayed in our nation's airports."

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Officials say those delays can be between 10 and 20 minutes, but could be a headache, especially during seasons with high travel traffic.

"It wasn't too hard"

Local perspective:

It's a task Stefania Durham and Cali Olds say they already have checked out.

"It wasn't too hard. I feel it's because I had to get my Wisconsin drivers license and go through the same process," Durham said.

"I had to go renew it anyways," Olds said. "It was just kind of part of the routine I don't recall having to add any extra steps and if I did, it's very minor."