Wisconsin State ID Card as Photo ID for Voting in Wisconsin

Attachment(s)

State Of Wisconsin ID Card As Photo Id For Voting

What Does A Wisconsin State ID Card Look Like?

The look of a State of Wisconsin ID card can vary depending on when your ID was issued. Here are photos of some of the most common State of Wisconsin ID cards:

Wisconsin Identification Card - REAL ID

REAL ID Compliant ID Card
Photo ID - 2015 Design Under-21 Identification Card

2015 Design Under-21  ID Card
Wisconsin Non-expiring ID

Non-Expiring ID Card

Can I Use A State Of Wisconsin ID Card To Vote In Wisconsin?

Yes! A State of Wisconsin ID card can be used to vote in Wisconsin. Please note that it must be a State of Wisconsin ID Card. ID cards from other states may not be used for voting in Wisconsin. You must show the original copy of your ID if you are voting in­-person. Your State of Wisconsin ID Card does not have to be REAL ID compliant to be used for voting.

What Is A State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

A State of Wisconsin ID card is an identification card issued by the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Can My State Of Wisconsin ID Card Be Expired?

You may still use your expired State of Wisconsin ID card for voting as long as it has expired since currently the last General Election.

Does My State Of Wisconsin ID Card Need To Have My Current Address On It?

No. Your State of Wisconsin ID card does not need to have a current address on it. When you present your photo ID to receive a ballot in the next election, the poll workers will not be looking at the address. However, if you still need to register to vote at your address, you will need to present a document called proof of residence that proves where you live. This could be your State of Wisconsin ID card or it could be another document such as a utility bill, bank or credit card statement, or more.

What Will The Election Worker Be Looking For On My State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

The election worker will be looking for three things on your State of Wisconsin ID card:

  • Your Election workers know looks can change, but please make sure that if your appearance has significantly changed that your photo still reasonably resembles you.
  • Your Poll workers will be looking to see that your name matches what is on the poll book. It doesn’t need to be an exact match. For example, if your ID says “Robert” but your voter registration says “Bob,” that’s ok!
  • An Expiration Date. They will be checking to see that your Wisconsin State ID card is either unexpired or has expired since the last General Election.

Does My State Of Wisconsin ID Card Need To Be A “Real Id”?

  • Your State of Wisconsin ID card does not need to be REAL ID complaint to be used for voting purposes
  • You can use a State of Wisconsin ID with either a star or the phrase "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" in the top right corner as photo

Obtaining an ID Card

Who Can Get A State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

Any Wisconsin resident can get a State of Wisconsin ID card. You cannot have both a Driver License and a State ID, you may only have one. Valid out-of-state driver licenses or ID cards must be surrendered when obtaining a State of Wisconsin ID card.

How Do I Get A State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

Visit your local DMV. Find your nearest Wisconsin DMV location by calling (844) 588-1069 or visiting wisconsindot.gov. You will be asked to provide documentation. If you don’t have your documents, DMV can still help through their petition process, learn more here.

What Documents Do I Need To Bring To Get A State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

There are four categories of documentation the DMV would like you to bring when applying for a State of Wisconsin ID Card. Some documents count for multiple categories so you may need less than four documents.

  1. Name & Date-of-birth Documents*

    • Armed Forces ID Card
    • U.S. Passport 
      (valid)
    • Tribal ID Card
    • Wisconsin Driver License
    • Wisconsin State ID Card
    • Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Foreign Passport 
      (Valid + i94)
    • Court Order: Adoption, Divorce, Name, etc.
    • TSA Worker ID

  2. Wisconsin Residency Documents*

    • Government Issued Document
      • Hunting/Fishing License
      • Department of Corrections Document
    • Employee Photo ID
    • Pay Stub
    • Bank Statement
    • Mortgage Documents
    • Insurance Policy
    • Utility Bill 
      (incl. cable, phone)
    • College Enrollment Document
    • Certified School Record

  3. Identity Documents*

    • U.S. Gov. /Military Dependent Card
    • Certified Certificate of Marriage
    • Legal Guardian's WI ID Card 
      (Under 18)
    • Social Security Card
    • Certified Certificate of Divorce
    • TSA Worker ID
    • State ID Card 
      (Other U.S. State)
    • Military Discharge Papers+DD214
    • WI or other state Driver License

  4. Legal Presence Documents*

    • U.S. Passport 
      (valid)
    • Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Foreign Passport 
      (Valid + i94)
    • TSA Worker ID

If you have legally changed your name, you will need to change your name with the Social Security Administration Office before coming to a DMV Service Center. You will be required to show proof of your name change.

For further questions visit: "Obtaining an identification (ID) card" on wisconsindot.gov.

Once your application and documentation are accepted, you will be issued a State of Wisconsin ID card photo receipt that can be used for voting purposes for 45 days. You will receive your State of Wisconsin ID Card in the mail about 10 days after you apply.

*What If I Don’t Have The Documents Needed To Get A State Of Wisconsin ID Card?

A document petition process is available at the WI DMV if you apply for a State of Wisconsin ID card and your documents to prove U.S. citizenship, name and date of birth, and/or legal name change are unavailable. If you do not have the documents mentioned above, DMV staff will work with you to verify your records through other means. You can still get a free State of Wisconsin ID card on the day you visit the DMV even if you are unable to provide the documents listed above.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STATE OF WISCONSIN ID CARDS?

  • You can renew your State of Wisconsin ID card online.
  • State of Wisconsin ID cards are available for free, just check the "Free ID for voting purposes" box on the application form.
  • The WI DOT may punch a hole over the expiration date to void a State of Wisconsin ID card. Hole-punched cards are invalid; therefore, not an acceptable ID for voting purposes if the expiration date, or other information, cannot be read.
Resource Type
Brochures
Subject
Photo ID
Election
All Elections