(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation is reminding people that the REAL ID change is finally coming, saying this will be the last holiday travel season before REAL IDs are required.
“Next year, airline travelers will face new identification requirements to board their flights,” the DOT said in a statement. “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).”
Congress approved REAL IDs back in 2005, but the federal government has postponed requiring people to get new driver’s licenses or state ID cards for decades.
Wisconsin has been offering REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses since 2014, but not everyone has the new IDs.
“To date, 62% of Wisconsin’s driver license or ID cards currently display the REAL ID star indicating they are federally compliant,” the DOT added.
Wisconsin DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler says anyone who wants to get a new ID should start the process now.
Winkler said in order to get a new REAL ID compliant ID people will need:
● 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
REAL ID cards come with a star, while non-REAL IDs will display a NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES message.
You do not need a REAL ID card, particularly if you’re not planning on flying.
You can, according to the DMV, still fly if you have a passport or passport card.
You can find out more about Wisconsin’s new REAL ID cards and requirements at the DMV’s website.