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Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID compliant products (marked with a µ) in accordance with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. If you plan to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings, the Department of Homeland Security will require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport) beginning May 3, 2023, the new deadline for this Federal requirement. Don’t get left behind without a REAL ID.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of documents acceptable as proof of identity. Per Trans 102.15(4)(a), any original and authentic document identifying the person by name and bearing the person's signature, a reproduction of the person's signature, or a photograph of the person is acceptable.
For REAL ID compliant and non-compliant cards:
- A valid (or expired eight years or less) photo driver license or photo identification card issued by Wisconsin or another jurisdiction, except a province of the Dominion of Canada
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card valid or expired 5 years or less and issued at age 16 or older
- Expired passports are NOT acceptable proof of name and date of birth or proof of citizenship or legal status in the U.S.
- Military discharge papers (including certified copy of federal form DD-214)
- U.S. government and military dependent identification card
- Marriage certificate or certified copy of judgment of divorce
- Documents permitted under proof of name and date of birth, if it bears a photograph
- A parent or guardian having legal custody identifies person under the age of 18 and the parent or guardian shows a valid Wisconsin operator’s license or ID card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), issued by the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration
- A valid photo ID card from any U.S. university, college, technical college or high school. The card must contain your name and photograph.
- Unexpired temporary driving license or ID card receipt, including receipts from other jurisdictions
- Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration
- W-2 form including the customer's name, address and SSN
- SSA - 1099 form
- Non SSA-1099 form
- Paystub with the applicants name and entire Social Security Number listed
- Or provide BOTH of the requirements below:
- An unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant's most recent admittance into the United States
- A document to demonstrate a non-work authorized status
- A government-issued product from a federal, state, county or city agency with the applicant’s name and signature.
The department will decline to accept any document presented if it has reason to suspect its authenticity.
Questionable documents may require additional review.
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.
A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
REAL ID
Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Learn more about flying with a REAL ID.
Expired ID
If your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023. Learn more about REAL ID on TSA’s REAL ID webpage.
Children
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Forgot Your ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
Names With Suffixes
TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one
on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.