Let’s get “Real”. Your deadline is coming soon to get a REAL ID.
April 30, 2025 9:35 AM CDT
By: Laura McKenna
Supported by
If you haven’t updated your license to a REAL ID, the deadline is coming up quickly.
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
So how do you know if you have one already?
Take out your license and look in the upper corner. Do you see a gold or a black star? If so, congrats! You’re good to go. You have a REAL ID.
But for those of you who don’t, you have a few days to get one. But only a few.
You’ll need to have all your documents ready before you apply. This will be a few more things than when you renewed your original license. Be ready to show proof of your identity, your social security number, your age, and your home address.
To ensure you bring exactly what you need:
For Wisconsin info, click HERE.
For Minnesota info, click HERE.
For states other than Wisconsin or Minnesota, click HERE.
What happens if you travel without a REAL ID after the deadline?
You can still use a valid Passport, a Military ID, a Global Entry Card, or State Enhanced Driver’s License. Expect a little extra time getting through security.
How long have we known about this? And what it is?
Actually quite a long time.
The REAL ID is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 after recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It is meant to create minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards.
For everything you need to know and for more frequently asked questions: REAL ID | Homeland Security
Want to contact Laura McKenna about traveling, REAL ID’s, or anything else that’s on your mind? Email anytime, she’d love to hear from you: [email protected]
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!
More Articles By Laura McKenna
12.10.25
Recall Alert: Crayola Magnetic pip-Cubes
If your kids have these or you were planning on wrapping one for Christmas, there’s a recall because the magnets could come loose. CreateOn Crayola-branded pip-Cubes are magnetic building cubes sold in Bold Colors and Glitter in sets of 24 or 27 cubes. The Bold Colors cubes are red, green, blue and yellow. The Glitter […]
Read More >
12.08.25
Movie Monday: Inside the Golden Globes movie nominations
The 83rd annual Golden Globes will be held on January 11th, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser. They’ll air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Jacob Elordi, Amanda Seyfried, and Jeremy Allen White were all double nominees for their acting in both film and television categories. I wasn’t a fan of Sinners (2025) but that movie earned […]
Read More >
12.03.25
Recall Alert: Shredded Cheese
More than 1.5 Million bags of shredded cheese has been recalled due to potential metal contamination. The bags were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Aldi, Target and other stores in the area (as well as stores across the US & Puerto Rico). The affected products include five different styles of shredded cheeses sold in […]
Read More >
12.01.25
Movie Monday: Wicked Part 3-The Prequel?
Wicked fans, don’t put your pink and green too far back into the closet because you might need it again. I’ve heard there is a new prequel book in the works from the author who penned the “Wicked Years” series. And you know Hollywood- if there is money to be made, they’re going to keep […]
Read More >
