REAL ID needed for travel starting May 7

The federal government begins enforcement of the REAL ID Act starting on May 7.

What this means is that a regular Wisconsin driver’s license or ID might not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel, entering a federal building, or going into a military base.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, they’ve been issuing REAL ID compliant licenses since 2013.

The easiest way to tell if an ID or license is compliant is the REAL ID star in the upper right corner.

Wisconsin offers both REAL ID compliant and non-compliant identity cards.

DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler said, “Under state law, Wisconsin DMV provides both options,” Winkler said. “Those who don’t already have REAL ID designation should visit wisconsindmv.gov/REALID to learn how to obtain a REAL ID compliant DL or ID. You can start the application online, print out a checklist of required documents to present to DMV, and make an appointment for service to make your trip as quick and convenient as possible.”

Data from the DOT said that more than 63-percent of Wisconsin’s driver’s licenses or ID cards show the REAL ID star for federal compliance.

Anyone needing to get a REAL ID complaint license or ID card should go to the interactive Driver Licensing Guide for a checklist of documents needed for a visit to the DMV.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests anyone who may be traveling to check their documents.

“TSA strongly encourages everyone age 18 and older to take an inventory of what forms of photo identification you have that are accepted by TSA. Doing so will ensure that you are prepared for the enforcement of REAL ID requirements starting May 7,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said.