REAL ID deadline: Majority of Wisconsinites are ready

​​Many can wait to upgrade at renewal or weeks before next flight

Release date: April 30, 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes that over 64% of Wisconsinites already have a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. 

On May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing the requirement to show a REAL ID before boarding a domestic aircraft or visiting a federal building. The most common form of acceptable identification is a driver license or ID card. Wisconsin DMV has been offering the option to have a REAL ID or a non-compliant card since January 2013.

“We’re ready,” DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler said. “Over 3 million Wisconsinites already have a star in the upper right corner of their valid Wisconsin driver license or ID card. Some have a passport or other acceptable REAL ID document, and others will not need a REAL ID if they’re not planning to fly.”

While DMVs across the state have seen an increase in the number of people visiting to get a REAL ID, many people don’t need to come to a DMV for services, Winkler said.  

“Several DMV transactions including all vehicle transactions can be done online, by mail or with a third party,” Winkler said. “Skip the trip and take advantage of the many online self-services available at wisconsindmv.gov.” 

Process to get a REAL ID

For those who want to upgrade to a REAL ID before their next renewal, Wisconsin DMV has a helpful online tool. The Driver License Guide​ will review what documents a customer needs and will provide a printable checklist of what’s required to get a REAL ID. A list of the required documents is available at wisconsindmv.gov/REALID. 

When all the documents are ready, customers may make an appointment​ at a DMV for faster service or stop in. DMV staff will review the information. There is no additional fee for a REAL ID compliant driver license or ID. If a person upgrades to REAL ID at the time of renewing their driver license, they pay the renewal fee (typically $34). If they are upgrading to a REAL ID outside of their driver license renewal, they would pay the $14 duplicate or replacement card fee.  

In most cases, customers receive their driver license or ID card within 7-10 business days. TSA does not accept the paper receipt as proof of REAL ID. 

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