Wisconsin’s general election is Nov. 3, with voters deciding who will be the state’s next governor and attorney general, as well as picking candidates for the state Legislature in several other races. Milwaukee voters also will decide on three proposed amendments to the state constitution.
When voting in person, residents throughout the state must present an acceptable form of photo ID, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Wisconsin law allows eligible residents to obtain a state-issued ID for voting free of charge.
Despite there being no cost, the process can still present other challenges, said Peg Schrader, president of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.
“The practical barriers include missing supporting documents, the cost and effort of replacing them, transportation to the DMV and understanding which documents and IDs are acceptable,” wrote Schrader in an email to NNS.
Here’s what to know about getting a free ID before the election.
Steps
U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 years old on or before Nov. 3 – but who don’t have an ID that can be used for voting – can apply for one for free through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV.
Although “voter ID” is a common term, there is no separate ID specifically for voting. Wisconsin accepts state-issued ID cards, which also can be used for other purposes.
Other acceptable forms of ID for voting include Wisconsin driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, military IDs and certain student and tribal IDs.
The photo ID requirement also is separate from voter registration, which has different requirements.
Registration establishes a person’s eligibility to vote, while the photo ID requirement is for when someone actually votes.
People applying for a state ID for the first time must visit a DMV customer service center in person. People renewing or replacing an existing state ID may be able to do so online or by mail.
When applying for a state ID for the first time, people ordinarily need to bring:
- Proof of name and date of birth
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Wisconsin residency
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
- Their Social Security number
Some documents can fulfill more than one requirement. For example, a certified U.S. birth certificate can establish name and date of birth as well as U.S. citizenship.
The DMV maintains a list of acceptable documents for each type.
Generally, people must bring original documents or certified copies rather than photocopies. However, the DMV accepts printed electronic records and photocopies of certain documents used to prove Wisconsin residency.
Also, people generally need to provide their Social Security number but do not have to bring the physical card unless the DMV cannot verify the number electronically.
In addition to these documents, people must complete the Wisconsin Identification Card Application, indicating that they want a free ID for voting.
People who complete the regular in-person application generally receive a temporary paper receipt with their photograph at the DMV. The receipt is good for 45 days and can be used to vote while they wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
According to the DMV, permanent cards generally arrive within 10 business days.
Identification Petition Process
Wisconsin has an alternative process for eligible residents who do not have the documents usually required to obtain a state ID, called the Identification Petition Process.
The process allows U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 on or before the next election to apply for an ID for voting while the DMV works to verify their information.
Schrader called the petition process an important option.
“Its key benefit is that a missing birth certificate or other required document does not have to prevent someone from obtaining identification for voting,” she said.
People who apply must go to a DMV office, fill out paperwork and wait for the document to arrive by mail.
People should bring whatever documents they have to a DMV service center and also complete two forms: the Wisconsin Identification Card Application and the Identification Petition Process application.
The DMV then mails a temporary photo identification document that can be used for voting while the petition is processed.
According to Wisconsin law, the DMV generally must issue the temporary document within six working days of receiving the petition.
For petitions filed within seven days before or two days after a statewide election – Oct. 27 through Nov. 5 for this year’s general election – the DMV must issue the document within 24 hours and send it by overnight or next-day mail.
Expedited processing does not guarantee people will receive the document before Election Day for those who file before Nov. 3.
Other ID options
Residents may already have an ID that meets the Wisconsin voting law requirements.
Wisconsin driver’s licenses and state ID cards are acceptable for voting if they are unexpired or expired after Nov. 5, 2024, the date of the last general election. U.S. passports and qualifying military IDs also are acceptable if these meet the same expiration requirements.
Joel DeSpain, a communications specialist for the Wisconsin Elections Commission, refers voters to the agency’s list of acceptable photo IDs.
A REAL ID is not required to vote, and the address on a photo ID does not have to match the voter’s current address.
The City of Milwaukee Election Commission also provides information about which IDs qualify.
Wisconsin enacted its voter ID law in 2011, although legal challenges delayed its full implementation until 2015.
In April 2025, voters approved a constitutional amendment adding the photo ID requirement to the state constitution, making the requirement more difficult to change.
Options on Election Day
Registered voters who arrive at the polls without acceptable photo ID can still request a provisional ballot for this year’s general election.
For the ballot to count, these people must present an acceptable photo ID at their polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3 or to their municipal clerk by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
Wisconsin also allows eligible residents who are not registered to go through that process at their polling place on the day of the election. However, they must provide proof of residence to register, which is a separate requirement from having the right ID to vote.
Here are key dates to know to vote in the November general election in Milwaukee
Where can I get help?
The Wisconsin DMV operates a voter ID hotline at 844-588-1069 for questions about free IDs and the Identification Petition Process.
Schrader named several organizations that can assist Milwaukee-area residents:
- You can call or text VoteRiders at 866-432-8683 for free help obtaining identification and supporting documents, as well as arranging transportation the day of the election.
- Souls to the Polls provides information about free rides to DMV offices and polling places. You can reach them by calling 414-742-1060.
- The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County provides voting information and assistance resources at mkevote.com.
- Disability Rights Wisconsin can be reached at 844-347-8683 with questions about voting rights and accessibility for people with disabilities.
For questions about voter registration, polling locations and other election information, visit MyVote Wisconsin.
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