REAL ID Deadline Pushed Back 1 Year: What It Means In Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday the Real ID deadline has been pushed back a year to Oct. 2021 amid global turmoil being wrought by the new coronavirus.

The original deadline for getting a Real ID was Oct. 1, 2020. It's Now Oct. 2021.

Real ID will be eventually be necessary for domestic air travel and for getting onto military bases or secure federal facilities.

The extension comes as states, including Wisconsin, make changes to how people visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles during the COVID-19 outbreak.

DMV Details Here

While Wisconsin's DMVs are open during scheduled hours, customers are reminded that all vehicle services can be done online and an in-person visit is not necessary.

Online services include:

• Renew plates
• Title/Register vehicle
• Order duplicate driver
• Renew driver license/ID: start with Driver License Guide to pre-fill any required application(s), get a checklist of requirements and documents. If eligible, submit paperwork electronically can make an appointment for faster service.
• More

If a Wisconsin resident plans to visit a Wisconsin DMV, officials are reassuring residents that DMV staff are dedicated to maintaining a clean and safe environment for customers to complete their DMV business.

One helpful tip officials are recommending is to reduce your time in DMV, by starting the paperwork online.

Get A Real ID in Wisconsin

A REAL ID or other identification such as a passport will be required to board an airplane come Oct. 1, 2021 — one year later than originally reported. That delay is because of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

REAL IDs are optional and are not needed to drive or vote. But in addition to needing it for a domestic flight, you'll need the REAL ID to enter a federal building or military installation if you don't have a passport or military ID card.

What It Means In Wisconsin

• If it's time to renew your driver license or ID, you can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for no additional fee (if the upgrade takes place at the same time as your renewal).
• If your current driver license or ID will not expire before 2020, and you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, the cost of a duplicate card will apply.
• Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. REAL ID driver's licenses and state identification cards have a gold star in the top right corner to indicate they comply with federal rules.
• To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card in Wisconsin, applicants must present additional documentation when you apply. The document categories include:
  • 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