If you do not have a photo ID that is acceptable for voting, you can get a Wisconsin state ID to vote for free with one visit to the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be at least 18 years of age by the next election.
Just check the “ID for FREE” box when completing the Wisconsin Identification Card application (MV3004).
To get a free ID card, you will need to take a few documents to a DMV office, including:
- Proof of Name and Date of Birth (such as birth certificate)
- Proof of Identity (Social Security card, Medicaid/Medicare Card, etc.)
- Wisconsin Residency (utility bill, government mail, lease, etc.)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. birth certificate or citizenship paperwork)
- Social Security number if you have one.
If you have all the documents, the DMV will issue you a Wisconsin Identification Card receipt and mail your State ID card to you. The Identification Card receipt will have your picture and can be used for voting for 45 days.
If you do not have all of these documents, just bring what you have to the DMV office. DMV will give you a temporary ID document to vote while they verify your information. More information about the petition process for the Wisconsin ID card for voting purposes can be found here.
The DMV will mail your temporary receipt, marked “FOR VOTING PURPOSES ONLY,” within six working days after you apply.
BUT: If you file your petition at the DMV within 7 days before or 2 days after a statewide election, the DMV will issue your receipt within 24 hours and deliver the receipt by overnight or next-day mail.
You can use the receipt for voting for 60 days. The Wisconsin DMV will either issue you a permanent State ID card or continue to issue new receipts for 60-day periods while it reviews your application for a permanent State ID. To continue receiving new receipts every 60 days while the DMV verifies your information, you must respond to their requests for additional information within 10 days.
VoteRiders can help you apply for a free ID and secure any documents that you need. Get free help now!