APPLETON, Wis. — Time is running out for you to get your REAL ID, with the national deadline on May 7, now just one month away. 

The REAL ID is a form of identification issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It will be required to board domestic flights or to enter some federal buildings.

What You Need To Know

  • Time is running out for you to get your REAL ID, with the national deadline on May 7, now just one month away

  • The REAL ID is a form of identification issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It will be required to board domestic flights or to enter some federal buildings

  • Tommy Winkler, Wisconsin DMV Administrator, said 63% of Wisconsinites already have REAL IDs

  • The Department of Homeland Security expects to achieve full enforcement by May 2027

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and after three significant delays, the deadline is almost near.

Officials are urging travelers to get REAL ID compliant sooner rather than later and it turns out most Wisconsinites already have.

Mark Lendvay, TSA Wisconsin Federal Security Director, said he wants people to be prepared before their next trip.

"Beginning May 7 of this year, every air traveler at the age of 18 or older must have a REAL ID or an alternative compliant ID if you want to travel," Lenvay said.

The TSA said this means you’ll need a current state driver's license with a star in the upper right corner.

There's a list of documents you need to bring to the DMV to upgrade to the Real ID:

  • Proof of name and date of birth
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of name change (if your name is different than what’s on your birth certificate, proof is needed for each name change)
  • Proof of address (two forms)
  • Provide your social security number

Tommy Winkler, Wisconsin DMV Administrator said 63% of Wisconsinites already have REAL IDs. Winkler said the state is making great progress.

"We feel very proud about where we're at in terms of the compliance rate. We think we're pretty close to the full number of people who would need that going forward," Winkler said.

Nick Crass is one of the more than 3 million Wisconsinites with a REAL ID.

This self-described frequent flyer said he upgraded years ago when he renewed his license.

"My wife and I love to travel the world. So, we have REAL ID, Trusted Traveler. We've got our passports, so whatever makes it easiest," Crass said.

REAL ID is not needed if you’re never going to fly, visit a military base, or go to a Federal building. However, officials still want to get two-thirds of Wisconsinites Real ID compliant.

"We thought as we get close to that two-thirds mark, that would almost be the full population of folks who would actually need to have a REAL ID, compliant product," Winkler said.

The May 7 deadline begins a phased approach towards using the REAL ID. The Department of Homeland Security expects to achieve full enforcement by May 2027.

For more information on the REAL ID, click here.