Let’s get “Real”. Your deadline is coming soon to get a REAL ID.

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]
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