REAL ID Hits Wisconsin
By Donnelly Clare
Local drivers will see some changes next time they get their license renewed.
Along with 13 other states, the Wisconsin DMV began issuing the more secure “REAL ID” cards on Jan. 14, a new type of federal identification card compliant with higher standards recommended by the 9/11 Commission. The new cards don’t look much different than a regular license- they have a gold star in the top right corner- but they will become mandatory for all air travel and access to federal buildings within the next five years.
But for now, drivers have a choice.
Drivers can opt for either a regular renewed license for now, or for the new federal ID- which would become mandatory within the next five years.
The federal card costs the same as a regular license renewal- $28 for a regular Class D- but will require additional documents to verify your identification, such as a utility bill or current lease, social security card or passport. Drivers need to bring the original document, as DMV officials aren’t allowed to accept photocopies.
According to the DOT, there are no new requirements if you want to renew your regular license that does not meet the new standards, so someone who just wants to renew their license needs only to fill out a form and pay a renewal fee.
Although the REAL IDs were meant to be mandatory a few years after the standards were passed in 2005, the Department of Homeland Security has granted extensions to states that were not ready to implement system-wide changes in hardware and computer programs.
According to the DMV, the following original documents are acceptable forms of identification:
For REAL ID compliant cards:
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card.
- Certified birth certificate or equivalent document from the state, territory, or certificate of birth abroad issued by U.S. Dept. of State (federal forms FS-545 or DS-1350). Canada birth certificates are not acceptable.
- Consular report of birth abroad.
- Valid I-551, permanent resident card (issued by the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). Non-expiring I-551 (issued 1977-1989) cards are acceptable.
- U.S. Certificate of naturalization (federal form N-550).
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship (federal form N-560).
- Employment Authorization Document.
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired U.S., visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicants most recent admittance into the U.S.
Additional acceptable documents for non-compliant cards
Everything from the above list: or,
- A foreign passport with federal I-551 resident alien registration receipt card or federal I-94 arrival and departure record that identifies the person’s first and last names, and the person’s day, month and year of birth.
- A Wisconsin driver license bearing a photograph of the person.
- A Wisconsin ID card issued under §.343.50, bearing a photograph of the person.
- Federal I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (Parole or Refugee version) and MV3002.
- A federal temporary resident card or employment authorization card (federal form I-688, I-688A).
- Native American ID card issued in Wisconsin.
- Court order with full name, date of birth and court seal. (Does not include abstract of criminal or civil convictions).
- Armed forces of the U.S. ID card issued to military personnel. Common Access Card or DD form 2.