(en español)
About REAL ID
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 REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card. View list of Transportation Safety Administration approved documents.
What should I bring to DMV to get a REAL ID?
To obtain a 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 your name is different than what’s on your birth certificate, proof is needed for each name change)
- 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
Based on your answers above, you should get a...
- Standard driver license, permit or non-driver ID card
If you have a Passport, you can use it for identification, boarding a plane for domestic (within the U.S.) and international flights and to enter certain federal buildings or a military base.
Based on your answers above, you should get...
a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.
Remember, you will need a Passport to fly to other countries.
Based on your answers above, you should get a
- Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.
Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.
Based on your answers above, you should get a
- Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.
Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.
Based on your answers above, you should get an
- Enhanced driver license, permit or non-driver ID card, if you are a U.S. Citizen.
Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.
Step 2. Gather the necessary documentation
Be prepared! Complete this guide to be sure you have the proof of identity you need to get a license, permit or ID before you go to a DMV office.
Find out what
documents you need
Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)
How to Apply for a New York: Learner Permit, Driver License, Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) ID-44
Step 3. Visit a DMV office
Submit all your documentation to a DMV office.
See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV
What happens next?
You will get your Enhanced or REAL ID in 2 weeks
It takes about 2 weeks for your new Enhanced and REAL ID document to arrive in the mail.