Wisconsin Real ID

Wisconsin Real ID  ​​​​About REAL ID

Real ID by State.

​​What it means for you​

• If it’s time to renew your driver license or ID, you can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for no additional fee (if the upgrade takes place at the same time as your renewal).
• If your current driver license or ID will not expire before 2023, and you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, the cost of a duplicate card will apply.
• Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-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.” Should you choose to continue to hold a non-compliant card, you will need another form of identification to board a plane or access federal sites.
• If you have a valid U.S. passport or​ another acceptable form of federal identification, you can use that for identification, in place of a WinREAL ID-complian​t driver license or ID card. View list of Transportation Safety Administration approved documents.

Hear more about the new REAL ID requirement and how to get one in this Countdown to REAL ID podcast.

What should I bring to DMV to get a REAL ID?

To obtain a Wisconsin 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. The document categories include:

• Proof of Name and Date of Birth
• Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S.
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
• Proof of Address (two forms)​
• Provide your Social Security Number

Use DMV’s interactive driver licensing guide to receive a personalized checklist of the required documents you will need to bring. It also allows you to pre-fill any required application(s), print and bring with you or submit electronically (if eligible). You may also be able to schedule an appointment for the DMV for faster service.

• Documentation
• Renewal information
• Check your status
• Reinstatement eligibility and requirements
• Getting a driver license
• New residents

​​​​​Questions?
Email ​Wisconsin DMV email service​​​

Wisconsin driver licenses and identification (ID) cards

The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mails all driver license and identification (ID) cards from one production facility.

How long will it be before I get my permanent card in the mail?

You should receive your driver license or ID card within 10 business days. All undeliverable mail is returned to DMV.

Will I be issued a temporary license or ID card?

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Paper receipt

• You will leave the DMV customer service center​ with a paper receipt valid for 45 days.
• The photo receipt is acceptable photo identification for voting and serves as your license or ID until your card arrives in the mail.
• Customers who renew an existing license or ID card will also leave the DMV customer service center with their expired (or soon to be expired) card, invalidated with a hole punch by the DMV processor.

NOTE: The receipt is not acceptable as proof of identity for a Social Security Number replacement card, if applying in person at your local Social Security office. If you plan to request a Social Security Number replacement card, please wait for your driver license or ID card to arrive in the mail before visiting a Social Security office. You may be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number replacement card online.

Wisconsin driver license and ID cards issued Fall 2015

Beginning Fall 2015, Wisconsin’s new driver license and ID card design provides the most advanced security features currently available in the United States.

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Sample cards starting Fall 2015​​​

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What will you notice about your new card?

• Contains black and white photos
• Features a beautiful rendition of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the Wisconsin State flag and a Sugar Maple leaf
• Text “Not for Federal Purposes” is printed on non-REAL ID compliant cards in compliance with Department of Homeland Security REAL ID regulations.

IMPORTANT:

Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID compliant products (marked with a µ) in accordance with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. If you plan to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings, the Department of Homeland Security will require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport) beginning May 3, 2023, the new deadline for this Federal requirement.

Notifications printed on Wisconsin Driver Licenses and ID Cards that are required by state and/or federal law:

• A STAR in the upper right corner of the card indicates that the card is compliant with Federal REAL ID Act requirements

Real ID by State

California	New York	Texas	Virginia
Washington	Wisconsin