Bring it to the Ballot
You must show an acceptable photo ID to receive a ballot for all elections.
Learn about Wisconsin's Voter Photo ID Law at BringIt.Wi.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions – Photo ID
You can get a free state ID card from the Division of Motor Vehicles if you do not already have a Wisconsin driver license.
Most Wisconsin voters now need to show an acceptable photo ID to vote. It’s the new law. But for some absentee voters, and those with a sincere religious belief against being photographed, there are exceptions to the law that may mean you don’t need a photo ID.
The rules for absentee voters are pretty simple:
- If you’re in the military, live permanently overseas or are classified as a confidential elector, you don’t need a photo ID to cast your absentee ballot.
- There are also accommodations in the law for absentee voters who cannot make it to a polling place because they are indefinitely confined, or live in a nursing home or care facility. These voters do not need to show their photo ID, but other rules do apply.
If you wish to obtain an ID for voting purposes, but have spiritual beliefs which prevent you from being photographed, you can receive a State ID card without a photo at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office (Trans 102.03(2)(b)).
You will need to show an original copy of an acceptable photo ID to vote at your polling place or to cast an in-person absentee ballot at your municipal clerk's office.
You will also be required to provide a photocopy of your ID to cast an absentee ballot by mail, with certain exceptions for military and permanent overseas voters and permanent absentee voters.
The photo ID requirement is in effect for all elections after April 2015.
These are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election:
- A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, and with or without a star in the right-hand corner.
- A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
- Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
- A U.S. passport
- An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)
- A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of student, and an expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance. (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)
- If the university or college ID is expired, the student ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment.
These photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:
- A veteran’s photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
- A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
- A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
- An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
No.
There is no such thing as a "Wisconsin Voter ID Card." The new Voter Photo ID Law uses existing photo IDs for people to prove their identity before voting.
Find out if your photo ID will work or learn how to get a free state ID card, which you can use to vote.
Photo ID Resources
