#LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 4: Getting Your REAL ID with Guest Kristina Boardman

February 25, 2020
Kristina Boardman of WisDOT with hosts Gail Sumi and Michelle Thompson (l-r)

In accordance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, if you plan to fly within the United States, visit a military base or any 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 October 1, 2020. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these REAL ID compliant products.

Join us for this #LocalGovMatters podcast as we sit down with Kristina Boardman, Administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and learn more about the history of REAL ID, why it is important and what citizens need to do to get their REAL ID by October 1, 2020. 

We explore the history, the process, and chat about what documents you need to bring along to the DMV to get your REAL ID.  We also touch upon if the REAL ID is needed to vote. (Spoiler alert, you don’t need a REAL ID to participate at the polls!)

This #LocalGovMatters podcast also takes a deep dive into the Wisconsin DMV. Trust us, it’s an interesting place to be, with 90 locations throughout Wisconsin in every county, with some counties having more than one location. The division collects approximately $850 million annually through its services for 4.2 million drivers, 600,000 ID card holders, and 5.7 million registered vehicles. There are so many things happening in person and even more online to keep Wisconsin moving.

Resources:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation REAL ID

Documentation Requirements to Get Your REAL ID

Transportation Safety Administration: REAL ID

DMV Online Services

Show Ideas?
Contact #LocalGovMatters hosts Michelle Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association or Gail Sumi of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities with show ideas.

A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on February 10, 2020.