New ID Requirement to Travel

If you plan to travel through the air in the start of summertime, you will need to make sure that you have all of your identification up to date. This includes a new ID requirement called Real ID, that will be needed for travelers starting May 7, 2025. 

  • Real ID is a new additional identification that will be labeled on state-issued driver’s licenses. The appearance may appear slightly different from state to state, but standardly there will be a star located in the corner of the license. Another way to tell if your ID is an issued Real ID is if there are statements such as, “federal limits apply” or “not for federal identification.” If these phrases are present, then your ID is not a Real ID. 

  • This new identification is important because it will be the most effective method of passing through airport security. Those without Real ID or other approved alternatives will be denied from passing through TSA checkpoints. The Real ID identification will be issued in all 50 states as well as places such as: Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. 

  • To obtain a Real ID you must bring additional documentation to your DMV. You can get a head start by printing the online documents from the website and completing them, or by scheduling an appointment at the DMV. Original documentation or a copy from each category is required. Some documents may be used for multiple categories. These categories include:

    • Proof of Name and Date of Birth 

    • Proof Legal Prescence in United States 

    • Proof if Identity 

    • Proof of Name Change (only needed if name is different from birth certificate) 

    • Proof of Address (two forms) 

    • Provide Social Security Number 

    For more specific information on Real ID requirements in the state of Wisconsin, please visit this link: How to apply for Wisconsin Real ID

  • Those who want to travel, but do not possess the Real ID, can use other alternatives. Other forms of identification that are accepted include: U.S. passport, passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card, a permanent resident card, an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation, an HSPD-12 PIV card, or a passport issued by a foreign government.  

Melissa Zacaula