Deadline For Real ID Necessity Happens This Year

The deadline for the necessity for a Real ID-compliant drivers license is approaching.  As of Thursday October 1, 2020, individuals age 18 and older that wish to fly on an airplane domestically (within the United States), visit a military base, enter a federal building (including government-owned museums), or any make entry to any place that the Department of Homeland Security performs security will need to either have a valid passport or show an identification cards that is Real ID-compliant.

The deadline follows a couple of years worth of advance work on helping people to make the transition. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has provided the option for people applying for a drivers license or renewing one since 2013.

The easiest way is when you renew your state-issued drivers license.  Generally speaking, you have the option to upgrade your drivers license to be Real ID-compliant at no extra cost to you; applicants just need to show additional documentation to complete the process.

What does it take to make your new or renewed drivers license Real ID-compliant?  Here is a list of the documentation you'll need to provide:

• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Proof of identity
• Proof of name change - if applicable
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of address

Click here for complete information about the documents needed and the process involved to apply for a Real ID-compliant identification.

Incidentally, if you already have a drivers license or other form of identification and you want to know whether or not is is Real ID-compliant, the markings are easy to spot; just look for the star at the top of the card.