REAL ID

START HERE to get REAL ID ready.

example of driver license 

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About REAL ID

You only need a REAL ID if you plan to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings. The Department of Homeland Security may require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport).

You are not required to get a REAL ID; it is optional. If you do not apply for the REAL ID, your current driver license or ID status remains unchanged until the expiration date.

Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID compliant products (marked with a µ) in accordance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. If you aren't sure if you have a Real ID, you can check now.

  • Wisconsin offers both non-compliant and the optional REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The cards look similar; REAL ID-compliant are marked with a µ, while non-compliant cards are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”
  • Upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for no additional fee when you renew.
  • If your current driver license or ID will not expire before 2025, and you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, the cost of a duplicate card will apply.
  • A valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of federal identification can be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card to fly within the United States. View list of Transportation Safety Administration approved documents.
  • A REAL ID-compliant card can be used to board a plane for domestic flights or enter a federal facility. A passport is needed for international travel.

How to get a REAL ID

  • Use DMV’s online appointment scheduler​ to pre-fill any required applications(s), submit electronically (depending on eligibility), receive a checklist of the required documents you will need to bring when you visit a Wisconsin DMV and make an appointment.
  • 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. (For example, if you have a U.S. birth certificate, it can be used to provide “proof of name and date of birth” and “proof of legal presence in the U.S.”)
    The document categories include:
  • After presenting all required documents, and paying applicable renewal or duplicate fees, you will be issued either a new Wisconsin ID or driver license with a star in the corner.

For questions on REAL ID, enforcement, cards at airport screenings and other issues, visit the Department of Homeland Security.

More driver license resources:

Questions?
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