One Year Since Federal Deadline, Wisconsin DMV Continues Helping Residents Obtain REAL ID
One year after the federal REAL ID deadline, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes that nearly 72% of Wisconsinites are REAL ID compliant, with more than 3.5 million REAL ID driver licenses or ID cards in residents’ wallets.
“Wisconsin remains REAL ID ready,” DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler said. “Wisconsin DMV has been offering the option to have a REAL ID compliant card since January 2013. Our team continues to work to improve the DMV customer experience by providing several online, self-service options and offering counter service appointments that provide a quick and convenient visit. These efforts have helped keep wait times low in DMV customer service centers as REAL ID enforcement has taken effect.”
Each year, the number of residents with a REAL ID has increased as most customers get a REAL ID when obtaining their first product and more customers upgrade at renewal.
For travelers without a REAL ID, the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) began charging a $45 fee on Feb. 1, 2026, to cover costs associated with additional identification screening measures.
Process to get a REAL ID
For those who don’t already have a REAL ID and want to upgrade, Wisconsin DMV has simplified the process with recently enhanced online appointment capabilities for driver licenses or IDs. By using DMV’s new appointment scheduler, customers complete and submit documents online, select the appointment time and get priority service. For the in-person visit, bring the required documentation (wisconsindmv.gov/REALID) and check in at the appointment desk. Most walk-in customers are served in less than 20 minutes.
There is no additional fee for a REAL ID compliant driver license or ID. To upgrade to a REAL ID at the time of renewing the driver license, customers pay the renewal fee (typically $34). To upgrade outside of the driver license renewal timeframe, customers pay the $14 duplicate or replacement card fee.
In most cases, customers receive their driver license or ID card within 7-10 business days. TSA does not accept the paper receipt as proof of REAL ID.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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