Confirmed by the IRS – Americans can now receive money from the IRS refund in 2025 and these are the key requirements
Confirmed—the SSA is changing the payment system, and this is the new way you will receive your monthly check
Farewell to fixed payments – new government statement on Social Security raises concern among millions of beneficiaries
I hope you have your Real ID because
if you don’t, you will have some issues for certain activities
. Wisconsin is the latest state of the United States joining this regulation, the Real ID will be compulsory for things like taking a plane. Don’t worry if you don’t have this identification document, it is as easy as going to a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
In this article you will find information about the Real ID and why it is important for you to have it.
The new identification document, the Real ID
Due to the attacks of 11 September, the United States has been thinking about a way to strengthen their national security. The Real ID is what they have come up with and it is used to have access to airports and federal buildings.
On the 7th of May you must have it if you don’t want to lose a commercial flight in the U.S., being prohibited from entry into federal buildings or nuclear energy plants.
The Real ID is basically the same as your previous identification card, but this new one has a gold or black star in the right-upper corner of the card. Look for the star on your ID card!
No star on your ID card? Well…
If you belong to the group with no Real ID, you can still catch a flight and enter federal buildings because this regulation is very recent and the government allows American citizens a certain amount of time to apply for their new ID cards. However, you must provide the
TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
identification documents they accept.
These documents are the U.S. passport, the Green Card or the Military Identification Card. The TSA has the right to check the validity of these documents which may create a delay. That’s why it is recommended to apply for the Real ID as soon as possible.
Steps to get your Real ID in Wisconsin
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), remember this place because it will be where you need to go to get the new identification document. Also, it would be ideal that you prepare all the necessary documents in advance, so you don’t waste any time. You might be thinking, ‘what are those required documents?’ Let me tell you about it and take note!
You will need to provide an identity document (passport, Social Security Card, etc), legal status or residency in the U.S. proof (U.S. passport, permanent residency card, etc), Wisconsin residency proof, Social Security number, and in case of marriage or divorce you will need to prove your name change.
After preparing all the documents, you just have to complete the application, ask for an appointment and pay the rate – ranging from $28 for ID card and $34 for driving license. The last step is going to the DMV to hand out all the documents needed.
It might seem all very overwhelming, but you can get informed on the DMV website too:
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/realid.aspx
Some advice so you are not the last person to get the Real ID
As mentioned before, preparing all the paperwork is crucial, but also check they are up-to-date and they are original. This part of the process is what will let you continue with it or not. So, be careful.
Also, you shouldn’t wait until the last moment because the implementation date has already passed and you are running out of time. Last, but not least, please check that you don’t already own the Real ID, in this case you don’t need to do anything.
You need to stay tuned to all the new regulations the government is implementing, so that you know what to do on time and not on a count-down. You have all the information needed in every government’s departments websites. Don’t leave till tomorrow what you can do today!
