REAL ID Deadline Approaching For WI Residents: What To Know

WISCONSIN — With just six months left until the federal enforcement of REAL ID begins for commercial domestic air travel, Wisconsin officials are reminding residents to prepare.

The Department of Homeland Security announced in 2020 the Real ID deadline was pushed back a year to Oct. 2021 amid the pandemic. 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.

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

How to Apply

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you must present additional documentation when you apply. Original document or certified copy (not a photocopy, fax or scan) from each category is required. Some documents may be used for more than one category, whereas some will only satisfy the requirements of a single category. 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 Address (two forms)
• Provide your Social Security Number

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.

The REAL ID has to be applied for in person

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

What It Means In Wisconsin

A REAL ID or other identification such as a passport will be required to board an airplane come Oct. 1, 2021 .

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.

Scott Anderson, Patch Staff, contributed to this story.