Perspectives
Your Wisconsin Driver’s License and the REAL ID Act
• What is the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act sets federal standards for sources of identification such as state driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress to reduce fraud and deter terrorism pursuant to the findings of the 9/11 Commission.
• How does the REAL ID Act affect my driver’s license renewal?
If you wish to obtain a driver’s license that satisfies the REAL ID requirements you must provide documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to verify your identity.
• What documents will I need to show to obtain a driver’s license which is also a REAL ID?
If you are a United States citizen born in the United States, in most cases the following will be sufficient:
1. Certified Birth Certificate
2. Current Wisconsin Driver’s license (reflecting current name and address)
3. Social Security Card
AND if you have changed your name , you will also need:
4. Certified Marriage Certificate, Certified Divorce Order or Certified Court Order
• Why do I need a REAL ID?
In the future, federal buildings and commercial airline flights will require either a REAL ID, passport or permanent residency card to be presented before entering a federal building or boarding a commercial flight. Currently your Wisconsin Driver’s license is acceptable identification for entering a federal building or boarding a commercial aircraft. The federal government has issued extensions for states to comply with the REAL ID requirements and not all states have met the requirements yet. Until the federal government sets a firm deadline in the future you may continue using your current Wisconsin Driver’s License for identification purposes.
• What if I don’t want a REAL ID and just want to renew my Wisconsin Driver’s License?
If you are a United States citizen born in the United States, in most cases the following will be sufficient:
1. Current Wisconsin Driver’s License (reflecting current name and address)
AND if you have changed your name , you will also need:
2. Certified Marriage Certificate, Certified Divorce Order or Certified Court Order
• Does the REAL ID cost more?
No, the cost is the same for the REAL ID and the regular Wisconsin Driver’s License.
• What will the REAL ID look like?
The REAL ID will look similar to your regular Wisconsin Driver’s License. The REAL ID is not a separate card. The driver’s license including the REAL ID will have a star verification mark which will appear on the front of the driver’s license in the upper right hand corner.