As the clock ticks down to May 7, 2025, residents of Wisconsin find themselves in a race against time to secure a Real ID. This impending deadline marks a significant shift in travel and identification requirements across the United States.

Beginning on this date, anyone aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. The Real ID, identifiable by a star in the upper right corner of Wisconsin IDs, is a more secure version of a driver’s license.

Understanding Real ID

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to establish minimum security standards for state-issued identification. This move aims to enhance security and prevent identity fraud. As of early March, more than one-third of Wisconsin drivers had yet to make the switch, according to the Marshfield News-Herald.

Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Failing to obtain a Real ID by the deadline means you’ll need to rely on other forms of TSA-approved identification for domestic travel and certain federal facility visits. These alternatives include:

• U.S. passport
• State-issued Enhanced driver’s license
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license
• Transportation worker identification credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Steps to Obtain a Real ID in Wisconsin

To secure a Real ID, Wisconsin residents must visit their local DMV in person, as the process cannot be completed online. The fee remains the same as a regular driver’s license renewal, at $34, with a regular photo ID costing $28. Essential documents to bring include:

• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Proof of name change if applicable
• Proof of address
• Social Security Number

For a personalized checklist and to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the DMV’s interactive driver licensing guide.

For those with a valid U.S. passport or another TSA-approved ID, a Real ID is not mandatory for domestic travel. However, for others, this deadline is crucial to avoid disruptions in travel plans.

The Marshfield News-Herald has been at the forefront of reporting on this transition, ensuring that Wisconsin residents are well-informed and prepared for the changes ahead.