Early voters wait in line to cast ballots in Milwaukee during the 2012 elections. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Wisconsin residents who are registered to vote are now required to provide a proper form of photo identification to cast a ballot on Election Day. Accepted forms of photo identification include: a Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card, U.S. military ID, U.S. passport or Wisconsin college or university ID.
Any Wisconsin resident who does not presently hold a valid driver’s license (from Wisconsin or another jurisdiction) may apply for an ID card. Free IDs are available to U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 years old by the next election and would like a Wisconsin ID card to vote.
To obtain an original ID card you must visit a DMV service center, complete form MV3004 (Wisconsin Identification Card application) and provide one proof of name and date of birth, one proof of identity, one proof of Wisconsin residency and one proof of legal status.
- Proof of name and date of birth can be a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization
- Proof of identity is usually a document with a signature or photo
- Proof of Wisconsin residency can be a recent paystub or piece of mail with your current address
- Proof of legal presence includes a Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration or original documents that prove U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, legal conditional resident status or legal temporary visitor status
To register to vote at the polls on Election Day, you’ll need a photo ID and proof of residency such as a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, a valid Wisconsin identification card or a bank statement. Click here for more documents accepted as proof of residence.
If you’ve lost your ID card, you can:
- Apply through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s online ID card duplicate/renewal service.
- Mail in a MV3004 (Wisconsin Identification Card (ID) application).
- Apply at a DMV service center with a:
- Current ID card or other acceptable proof of identity
- A Social Security number
You’ll be given a receipt with a photo, which you can use to vote and serves as an ID until the card arrives in the mail.
Two DMV locations in the Milwaukee area — at 7301 W. Mill Road and at 5500 W. Grange Ave. — will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. until the November election. Both DMV locations are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information on how to acquire a voter ID, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, The Government Accountability Board of Wisconsin or the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin websites.
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