Voter Registration and Proof of Residence

Registering online is easy, safe, and secure

You can register to vote online or by mail up to 20 days before the election. If you have a valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) you can register to vote online at MyVote. If you prefer to register in-person you can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before the election or at your polling place on Election Day. 

You must always provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote.

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You also can use MyVote to update your name or the address we have on file for you. If you need to request an absentee ballot, visit Vote Absentee.

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MyVote

Voter Registration

    How to Register

    There are four ways to register to vote in Wisconsin.

    Online. Up to 20 days before the election. Voters who have a valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov.

    To register online, enter your name, date of birth, Driver License, or ID number, and an address that matches what is on file with the Wisconsin DMV. If all of the fields match, you will be able to register to vote completely online. Voters who are not able to match their information with the information in the DMV database will be given the option to register by mail (see below).

    By mail. Up to 20 days before the election. Registration forms should be mailed to your municipal clerk. You can start your voter registration form online at myvote.wi.gov. Your form must be printed, signed, and mailed or delivered, to your municipal clerk. If you are registering by mail, you can use any of the forms of Proof of residence except a residential lease.

    In the municipal clerk’s office. You may register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the Friday before the election at 5:00 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later. 

    At the polling place on Election Day. You may register at the polls on Election Day.

    You must always provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote.

    What you need to bring

    Driver License or ID card

    If you have been issued a State of Wisconsin Driver License or ID card that is current and valid, you must provide the number and expiration date. If your WI driver license is cancelled or expired; or your WI DOT-issued ID is expired, provide the number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued a WI driver license or WI DOT-issued ID, you must provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of these documents, you will be able to indicate that fact.

    Proof of Residence

    You must provide a Proof of Residence Document when registering to vote in Wisconsin. A Proof of Residence Document is a document that proves where you live in Wisconsin. Please see the Proof of Residence handout for a list of acceptable documents.

    Other things you might need to know about registration

    Photo ID is never required when registering to vote. However, a Proof of Residence document is always needed when registering to vote in Wisconsin.

    Voters must reside at their address for at least 28 days by Election Day in order to register to vote. Voters who have moved within Wisconsin less than 28 days before the election must vote from their previous address, either by absentee ballot or at the polling place. Voters who have moved to Wisconsin from another state less than 28 days before an election are only eligible to vote in Presidential elections.

    A “corroborating witness” can no longer provide Proof of Residence. See the “Proof of Residence” section on this page for a list of Proof of Residence documents.

    You cannot register the Saturday, Sunday, or Monday before an election, but you can register at the polling place on Election Day.

    Proof of Residence

    All voters MUST provide a Proof of Residence Document when registering. If you register to vote by mail, in-person in your clerk’s office, or at your polling place on Election Day, you need to provide a Proof of Residence document. If you register on myvote.wi.gov, your valid State of Wisconsin driver license or State of Wisconsin ID card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) qualifies as a valid Proof of Residence document.

    If you are an active military voter, or a permanent overseas voter (with no intent to return to the U.S.) you do not need to provide a Proof of Residence document.

    Proof of Residence and photo ID are two separate processes.

    • A Proof of Residence document is a document that proves where you live in Wisconsin and is only used when registering to vote
    • Photo ID is separate, you only show photo ID to prove who you are when you request an absentee ballot or a ballot at your polling place

    You may present your Proof of Residence document as a hard copy, paper document or an electronic device.

    Acceptable Proof of Residence

    All Proof of Residence documents must include the voter’s name and current residential address.

    • A current and valid State of Wisconsin Driver License or State ID card

    • Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit

    • Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card

    • A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election

    • Residential lease that is effective on date of registration (Not valid if registering by mail)

    • A gas, electric, or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before the date of registration

    • A university, college, or technical college identification card (must include photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk

    • An intake document from a residential care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility

    • A bank, or credit union statement, regardless of the type of account or any credit card statement.

    Only a current and valid (unexpired but can be suspended or revoked) Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin state ID card with the voter’s current name and address qualifies as Proof of Residence.

    This is not a comprehensive list, but categories of the most common types used by voters.

      What are examples of government agencies who can issue a proof of residence document?

      Government agencies can include local, state, or federal units of government. A few examples:

      Local: public school district, town clerk or treasurer’s office, county clerk.

      State: Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV/DOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Human Services (DHS)

      Federal: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Medicare (not second party vendors), Social Security

      What are examples of proof of residence documents issued by a government agency?

      Examples of Proof of Residence documents

      This is not a comprehensive list

      • Fishing and hunting licenses
      • Vehicle registrations
      • Food stamps, Wisconsin Works, Wisconsin Shares, and BadgerCare notices and correspondence
      • Medicare notices and Medicare Explanation of Benefits (not from 2nd party providers or other health insurance providers)
      • Social Security and SSI notices and benefits statements
      • Public high school, technical college, and public university correspondence and documents, including: admissions correspondence, financial aid notices, report cards, and schedules
      • Federal student loan correspondence and notices
      • Billing statements and collection notices from a governmental entity
      • Correspondence from a federally recognized Native American Tribe living in Wisconsin
      What if I am unsure if my document will count as proof of residence?

      If you are unsure if your document will qualify as acceptable Proof of Residence, please contact:

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