Wisconsin Joins Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, New York, in Facing Major Changes in US Domestic Travel Due to REAL ID by 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 14, 2025

As the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025, approaches, Wisconsin, along with Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, New York, and more, faces major changes in domestic travel, requiring new IDs for federal access and flights. This shift, mandated by the REAL ID Act of 2005, will impact millions of travelers who will need to ensure their state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs meet federally accepted security standards.

Overview of the REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs, making them federally accepted for purposes such as domestic flights and accessing federal facilities. REAL ID cards feature a star on the upper-right corner and require various documents for issuance, such as proof of lawful status and state residency. The card displays personal information, including a photograph, and includes advanced security features. Despite its benefits, concerns about privacy, surveillance, and data misuse have arisen. Full enforcement of the REAL ID requirements for air travel and federal access will begin on May 7, 2025.

Changes States Will Experience in Domestic Travel Due to REAL ID

Increased Need for REAL ID Cards:

• Travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (or an alternative such as a passport) to board domestic flights within the U.S.
• States will see an increase in demand for REAL ID cards as people prepare for this new requirement.

Airports and Security Checks:

• Airport security will no longer accept standard driver’s licenses for domestic flights. Instead, passengers will need to show a REAL ID-compliant card or another federally accepted ID (e.g., U.S. passport, military ID).
• This will likely result in longer wait times and increased processing at airports until people become accustomed to using the new identification standard.

State-Level Compliance Efforts:

• States that haven’t fully implemented REAL ID standards will need to quickly ramp up efforts to ensure compliance.
• This includes upgrading their systems to issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and ensuring that residents are informed about the changes and deadlines.

Interstate Travel Requirements:

• People traveling between states will need to ensure that they carry a REAL ID-compliant card for smoother access to federal buildings and other high-security areas, not just for air travel.
• States that are slow in compliance may face challenges in processing applications for REAL IDs, potentially causing delays and confusion.

Enhanced Identification Process:

• States will need to maintain robust verification procedures to issue REAL ID-compliant cards, which will involve collecting more data from residents.
• This could increase processing times for ID issuance, leading to more paperwork and documentation requirements for individuals.

Increased Public Awareness Campaigns:

• States will have to launch public information campaigns to ensure residents understand the importance of obtaining a REAL ID by the deadline.
• These efforts will focus on educating residents about the upcoming deadline and the changes they’ll need to adapt to for domestic travel.

The REAL ID Act requires states to meet specific security standards for their driver’s licenses and identification cards. States that have not fully complied with these requirements or have been slower in implementing changes will face significant disruptions as they work to meet the upcoming May 7, 2025 deadline for full enforcement.

New York: Preparing for the REAL ID Rush

New York, fully compliant with REAL ID standards, is anticipating a surge in applications as the May 2025 deadline approaches. With millions of residents needing to upgrade their IDs for air travel and federal access, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will experience a significant increase in demand. To prevent long wait times and ensure a smooth transition, New York will need to ramp up public education efforts, streamline application processes, and prepare for a busy period of high traffic at DMV offices.

Michigan: Managing the REAL ID Surge

Michigan is also REAL ID-compliant, but the approaching deadline is set to bring a wave of applications. With residents needing updated IDs for air travel and federal purposes, Michigan’s DMV system will experience higher volumes of requests. This will lead to longer wait times and potential backlogs. Michigan will need to focus on educating residents about the REAL ID requirements, optimize its processing systems, and consider extending hours or offering additional services to meet the growing demand.

Ohio: Preparing for a REAL ID Deluge

Ohio is ready for the REAL ID requirement, but as the May 2025 deadline approaches, the state is expecting a flood of applications. With many residents unaware of the need for a REAL ID, wait times at Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) locations will likely increase. To mitigate delays, Ohio will need to conduct extensive outreach campaigns to inform residents about the new regulations and ensure they have ample time to get their REAL IDs before the deadline.

Pennsylvania: Handling the REAL ID Overflow

Pennsylvania is fully compliant with the REAL ID standards, but the state will experience a dramatic increase in applications as the deadline nears. Residents will rush to get their REAL IDs in time for air travel and federal access, leading to longer wait times at DMV locations. To avoid long delays and bottlenecks, Pennsylvania will need to focus on public education, streamline its application processes, and ensure that staff is prepared to handle the influx of requests.

Washington: Preparing for the REAL ID Surge

Washington state is ready for the REAL ID requirement, but the approaching deadline will bring a surge of applications as residents realize they need to upgrade their IDs for air travel and federal access. Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL) is expecting increased demand, which could cause delays at service centers. To mitigate these delays, Washington will need to enhance its outreach programs, streamline application procedures, and ensure that DMV offices are prepared for the uptick in requests.

Oregon: Handling the REAL ID Wave

Oregon is fully compliant with REAL ID standards, but the state is bracing for a large influx of applications as the May 2025 deadline approaches. With more residents needing to upgrade their IDs for air travel, wait times at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will likely increase. To address this surge, Oregon will need to implement robust public education efforts, enhance processing capabilities, and possibly extend office hours to accommodate the higher volume of applicants.

Why These States Will Face Significant Changes:

• Delayed Implementation: These states have faced delays in adopting the necessary changes or have had compliance waivers extended.
• High Demand for REAL IDs: With the deadline approaching, residents in these states will need to apply for REAL ID-compliant IDs to meet federal travel requirements. This could result in longer processing times at DMVs and other state agencies.
• Public Education and Outreach: These states will need to conduct extensive public outreach campaigns to inform residents about the new requirements and ensure compliance by the deadline.
• System Upgrades: These states will have to ensure that their DMV systems and ID issuance processes are up to date to meet federal standards, which might require additional time and resources.

As the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025, approaches, Wisconsin, along with Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, New York, and more, faces major changes in domestic travel, requiring new IDs for federal access and flights.

Conclusion

As the May 7, 2025, deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID Act draws closer, Wisconsin, along with Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, New York, and more, and other states, will face significant changes in domestic travel. These states must adapt to the new requirement for REAL ID-compliant IDs, which will be necessary for federal access and domestic flights. The rush to upgrade IDs will lead to longer wait times at DMVs, increased demand for REAL IDs, and a need for extensive public education to ensure residents are prepared. As each state works to meet the deadline, travelers should stay informed and act promptly to avoid disruptions. Ultimately, the REAL ID Act will reshape the way we approach domestic travel, and understanding these changes will help residents navigate the transition smoothly by 2025.