Wisconsin officials remind travelers about REAL ID requirements ahead of May 7 deadline

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Travelers planning on flying domestically this spring may need a new identification card to board their flight.

After 20 years of delays, starting May 7, airports will no longer accept regular IDs as a form of identification to travel domestically. Instead, you’ll need a REAL ID, a federally accepted driver’s license.

“If you’re renewing or upgrading to a REAL ID, the fee remains the same,” said Tommy Winkler, the Wisconsin administrator for the Department of Motor Vehicles. “The good news for us here in Wisconsin is that we are REAL ID ready.”

To get a REAL ID, all you need to do is bring a couple of documents, including, but not limited to your current ID, two documents that show proof of residence, as well as a birth certificate to the Wisconsin DMV.

“Please make certain that these credentials are REAL ID compliant,” said Winkler.

A paper copy will be issued on the spot, and your REAL ID will be mailed in 7-10 business days.

“If they’re traveling with a paper ID, realize that’s not going to be an acceptable form. We want that actual ID issued,” said Mark Lendvay, the federal security director of TSA Wisconsin.

You’ll know it’s a REAL ID by the star in the upper right corner. It can be gold or black, or if you’re in California, it’s a bear. Officials say many Wisconsinites are already prepared.

“It’s just like any other rule. Comes out and has to be done, so you do it,” said Thomas Liggins, a traveler at Mitchell International Airport. “I usually don’t want to wait until the last minute for everything.”

Krista Getzel travels frequently and got hers several years ago.

“I just heard they were coming out and they would eventually be required, and since I like to travel, I got one,” said Getzel.

If you do not have a REAL ID, travel officials say you won't be prevented from boarding your flight, but it will take significantly longer to get through TSA. You can still use a valid passport to travel domestically if you do not have a REAL ID.

“That’s gonna delay a number of travelers, even if you’re arriving at the airport, 60, 90 minutes earlier,” said Lendvay.

For a complete list of acceptable documents, click here.