Wisconsin locals urged to get REAL IDs before deadline

  • 2019-09-26
The deadline for people located in Wisconsin to get their REAL IDs is approaching.

Residents of Wisconsin in cities such as Greenfield can have REAL ID-compliant, as well as non-compliant, ID cards and driver’s licenses. REAL IDs are not necessary for voting or for driving, but they will be needed for people who wish to go on domestic flights or enter federal and military installations, assuming that they do not have military ID cards passports.

The deadline to apply for a REAL ID has been set October 1, 2020. They are optional, although it may be in some people’s best interests to get them. For people who need to renew their current ID cards or licenses, they can upgrade to the REAL ID for no additional cost. Those who have valid licenses that will not expire before the deadline can get a new ID for the same cost as getting a duplicate ID.

The REAL ID looks similar to the standard ID. The only difference when looking at it is a small change to the graphic design, which features a golden star on the top right corner of a REAL ID. Non-compliant IDs will also be marked with “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”

The new requirement for a REAL ID was made in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The idea is to establish higher minimum security requirements on ID documents used for federal purposes.