Get a REAL ID in Wisconsin

Online or in person

No, first REAL ID in person · One visit to a DMV service centerThe DMV says you must visit a DMV service center to get a REAL ID license or ID card for the first time. The DMV asks in-person license and ID customers to schedule an appointment; it doesn't say whether walk-ins are served. Not all services are available at every DMV, so check the office first.

Cost

No extra fee if you upgrade when you renewYou pay the regular renewal fee: $42.50 for a driver license (8 years), $28 for an ID card (8 years). Upgrading at another time costs a duplicate card: $14 for a driver license, $16 for an ID card. A $5 late fee applies if you don't renew your driver license by your birthday.

You leave with

Paper receipt now, card by mailAt the service center you get a paper receipt valid for 45 days; if you renew online, the receipt is emailed. The card should arrive within 10 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
     Originals or certified copies only, no photocopies. A U.S. birth certificate or passport also counts as proof of name and date of birth.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
     • U.S. state or local government birth certificate (certified copy only; birth registration and hospital certificates are not accepted; Puerto Rican certificates certified before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Citizenship through adoption (Child Citizenship Act of 2000) (proof of finalized adoption plus your foreign passport from your country of birth or the I-551 card from when you entered the U.S.)
   • Proof of name and date of birth
     Original documents only. One document can cover more than one category.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
     • U.S. state or local government birth certificate
     • Valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
     • Valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
     • Valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • A REAL ID driver license or ID
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
   • Proof of identity
     A document with your name and your signature or photo.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Photo driver license or ID card from Wisconsin or another state (valid or expired 8 years or less; not from a Canadian province)
     • Social Security card
     • U.S. passport or passport card (valid or expired 5 years or less, issued at age 16 or older)
     • Military discharge papers (certified copy of DD-214)
     • U.S. government or military dependent ID card
     • Photo ID card from a U.S. university, college, technical college or high school
     • Certified marriage certificate or divorce decree (if it bears your signature)
     • A proof of name and date of birth that bears your photo
   • Two proofs of Wisconsin residency · 2 different documents
     Each must show your name and current Wisconsin street address; a P.O. box is not accepted. Printouts of electronic bills and statements are accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Wisconsin driver license or ID (not expired by more than 8 years)
     • Utility bill (water, gas, electric, cable TV, internet or phone)
     • Paycheck, pay stub or earnings statement with your employer's name and address
     • Bank, credit union or brokerage account statement
     • Deed, mortgage, or rental or lease agreement with the landlord's name and phone number
     • Current homeowner's, renter's or vehicle insurance policy or bill (dated within one year)
     • Government mail issued to you within the past year (not Quest or Forward cards)
     • Valid Wisconsin hunting license or concealed carry permit
     • Certified school record or transcript
     • Employee photo ID from your current employer
   • Your Social Security number · all that apply
     You provide the number; the DMV verifies it with the Social Security Administration and may ask for proof if that check fails. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you sign form MV3741 instead.
     Show accepted documents

     • Your Social Security number

2. Pre-fill your application and book an appointment

   Use the DMV's online appointment scheduler to pre-fill your application and book a visit.

   Online appointment scheduler ↗

3. Visit a DMV customer service center

   Bring your original documents, choose the REAL ID card and pay the renewal or duplicate fee. You leave with a paper receipt valid for 45 days.

   Find a DMV customer service center ↗

4. Watch your mail

   The DMV mails cards from one production facility. You should receive yours within 10 business days.