REAL ID
(Department of Homeland Security)
The “one that’s ready to fly.” The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The official purposes covered by the Act and regulation are:
- Accessing certain federal facilities.
- Boarding Federally regulated commercial aircraft; and
- Entering nuclear power plants.
Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older that plans to fly domestically or visit certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.
The Act’s prohibitions do not affect other uses of driver’s licenses or identification cards unrelated to official purposes as defined in the Act.
What it means for you
- Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The cards look similar; REAL ID-compliant are marked with a star, while non-compliant cards are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”
- Upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card for no additional fee when you renew.
- If your current driver license or ID will not expire before 2025, and you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, the cost of a duplicate card will apply. In Wisconsin, this is $14.
- A valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of federal identification can be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card to fly within the United States.
- A REAL ID-compliant card can be used to board a plane for domestic flights or enter a federal facility. A passport is needed for international travel.
TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS
(Department of Homeland Security)
The Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST) are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers. All applicants are vetted to ensure that they meet the qualifications for the program to which they are applying.
TSA PRECHECK
(Transportation Security Administration)
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint. TSA PreCheck® enhances aviation security and provides a better travel experience. The program has expanded to approximately 200 airports across the country and millions of passengers have enjoyed the benefits of this program since its inception. It is a combination of an online application and an in-person enrollment. It costs about $80 and is valid for 5 years.
TSA PreCheck® is a component of TSA’s intelligence-driven, risk-based security approach used to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way.
Eligible TSA PreCheck® travelers include:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck®.
- Members of Global Entry.
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI.
- U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces including those serving in the National Guard and reserves as well as government employees from select agencies.
- Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
- Passengers 12 and younger traveling with an eligible passenger.
- Passengers who are selected using existing Secure Flight system requirements while traveling on participating airlines.
Eligible passengers flying both domestically and outbound internationally from participating airports, as well as passengers with connecting domestic flights who arrive in the United States on an international flight, may use the TSA PreCheck® lanes when going through the screening process.
Although these passengers are eligible for TSA PreCheck® benefits, TSA incorporates random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
Travelers with TSA PreCheck are not required to remove:
- Shoes
- Belts
- 3-1-1 compliant bag
- Light jacket/outerwear
- Laptop from bag
Participating airlines will print TSA PreCheck® indicator on the boarding pass. Look for the indicator on the pass and dedicated TSA PreCheck® screening lanes at participating airports.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits for a fee of about $80 which is valid for five years. To apply for TSA PreCheck® or find a participating airport, visit tsa.gov/precheck.
In Milwaukee, there are two ways to sign up for TSA PreCheck. You can sign up online and follow it up with an in-person appointment. There are two locations in the Milwaukee area – you can have your appointment at Mitchell International airport by the entrance to the D concourse or at Idemia’s office, 4895 S. Howell Avenue, Suite B in Greenfield.
Or, you can bring your passport (or driver’s license and birth certificate) to Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport to the CLEAR/TSA PreCheck enrollment kiosk by the entrance to the D concourse. The CLEAR staff can enroll you there. You would need to pay the $80 fee with a credit card or debit card. You can sign up for just TSA PreCheck, just CLEAR or both. They are open from 9 – 5:30 daily.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a subscription service whose goal is to make your travel experience safer and easier by capturing your secure digital identity to prove who you are without showing your ID. It uses biometrics that replace your ID. You give fingerprints and a retina scan to sign up. And you do need to bring your driver’s license when you enroll. Then in over 100 airports around the world, you can go through a dedicated CLEAR line at security, scan your eyes or fingers, then go to the front of the security line. Currently, the cost is $199 per year, with additional family members connected to your subscription at $119 a year. Family members under 18 can join you in the CLEAR lane with you. Some airports are transitioning to facial recognition CLEAR kiosks.
Milwaukee has a CLEAR lane. And you can sign up for CLEAR at Milwaukee Mitchell Airport at the entrance to the D concourse. The hours are 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily and it takes about 30 minutes to complete the process. You can sign up for both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at the same time (or sign up for just TSA PreCheck or just CLEAR). (It takes about 3 – 5 days to get your TSA PreCheck status approved.)
GLOBAL ENTRY
cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
(Customs and Border Protection)
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States at selected airports. Milwaukee and Chicago airports do offer Global Entry to returning international passengers.
Upon arriving from an international flight, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where a kiosk takes their photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.
Each traveler must be a member of Global Entry – even children.
To apply, you need to log into your Trusted Travelers Program (TTP) account and complete an application. A $120 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application. And it is good for five years.
After accepting your completed application, CBP will conduct a review. If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. (80% of applications are approved within 2 weeks while some applications can take up to 12 months or longer to be processed.)
You will need to bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview.
MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL (MPC)
www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
(Customs and Border Protection)
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and MAY be provided a designated queue. As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.
Mobile passport control is available in 35 U.S. International Airports, 14 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry: (Miami, Palm Beach, Port Everglades and San Juan seaports). It is available at Chicago O’Hare but not Milwaukee Mitchell International at this time.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM
(Department of State)
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
- Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
- Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
- Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there is an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION WEBSITE
travel.state.gov is a website with general travel information
(Department of State)