Wisconsin
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Wisconsin requires a photo ID to vote in person.
Option 1: Show an accepted photo ID
Most people show (OK if expired after November 5, 2024):
- Wisconsin driver’s license
- Wisconsin state ID card
- US passport
- Military identification
Students can show a student ID from a Wisconsin-accredited institution that:
- Has your signature
- Shows an issuance date and an expiration date
- Expires within 2 years of the issuance date
If your student ID is expired, you must also present current proof of enrollment (for example, a tuition fee receipt or course schedule).
You can also show:
- Veterans Affairs card (unexpired or no expiration date)
- Tribal ID issued by a tribe in Wisconsin (can be expired)
- Certificate of Naturalization (issued within 2 years)
- ID receipt from the Wisconsin DMV (for a driver’s license, state ID card, or DMV petition process)
Option 2: Vote a provisional ballot
If you can’t present an accepted photo ID, you have to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls — but you must take extra steps for your vote to count.
To make your provisional ballot count:
- Return with an accepted photo ID before the polls close on Election Day, or
- Bring one to your municipal clerk’s office by 4:00 PM on the Friday after the election.
Find your local Municipal Clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a free ID in Wisconsin?
Free IDs are available for Wisconsin voters!
The DMV issues a free state ID card to Wisconsin residents who are US citizens and will be 18 or older by the next election.
Just check the “ID for FREE” box on your Wisconsin Identification Card application.
You will be required to provide proof of:
- Legal name (including documentation of any changes)
- Date of birth
- Identity
- Wisconsin residency (for example, a utility bill, government mail, or rental lease)
- US citizenship (for example, a birth certificate, US passport, or immigration paperwork)
- Social Security number (if you have one)
The DMV will give you a receipt for your state ID card that has your photo on it. You can use this receipt to vote within 45 days of receiving it.
DMV petition process
If you don’t have all the required documents for a state ID card, you can verify your identity through the DMV’s ID petition process. Bring any documents you do have to the DMV and submit your application. The DMV will mail you an ID petition process receipt (marked “FOR VOTING PURPOSES ONLY”) that has your photo — you can use this receipt to vote within 60 days. Your photo receipt will be sent overnight or by next-day mail if it’s issued directly before or after an election. The DMV will then verify your identity and information before issuing you a permanent Wisconsin state ID card.
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Wisconsin?
You can still vote a provisional ballot.
If you’re a registered Wisconsin voter but don’t present an accepted photo ID when voting in person, you have to cast a provisional ballot, and must take extra steps for it to count. Return with an accepted photo ID before the polls close on Election Day, or bring one to your municipal clerk’s office by 4:00 PM on the Friday after the election.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Wisconsin?
You must show a physical ID at the polls.
You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Wisconsin?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Wisconsin.
“REAL ID” is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity. Visit the Wisconsin DMV website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.
Voting by Mail
Any registered Wisconsin voter can request an absentee ballot. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
Requesting your ballot:
Request your absentee ballot online or from your municipal clerk’s office. You must provide a copy or photo of an accepted ID the first time you request an absentee ballot. You can use any of the photo IDs accepted to vote in person.
Returning your ballot:
You don’t need to include any ID when you return your absentee ballot. Your ballot’s certificate envelope must be signed by an adult witness who is a US citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track my Wisconsin mail ballot?
Can I fix my Wisconsin mail ballot if it is rejected?
Wisconsin municipal clerks are not required to contact voters to tell them their ballot was rejected, but they can. If a clerk receives an absentee ballot with an improper certificate or no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot whenever there is enough time for you to correct the defect and return it before the deadline.
What to do:
- You may submit a replacement ballot, provided it’s received by the municipal clerk’s office or polling place no later than 8:00 PM on Election Day.
- Check with your municipal clerk’s office to confirm the deadline and the proper location to return ballots.
2 Register
You must register before you can vote in Wisconsin.
Who can vote in Wisconsin?
You are eligible to vote in Wisconsin if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Wisconsin at least 28 days before the election
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
- You register to vote on or before Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Wisconsin if:
- You have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored
- You have been declared incapable by a court of law.
- You are directly or indirectly involved in a bet or wager that depends on election results.
Wisconsin Voter Registration Requirements
Proof of Residency
If you’re registering online, you have to provide the number from an unexpired Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card.
Other voters must present proof of residency with their name and current address. Common examples include:
- Wisconsin driver’s license
- Wisconsin state ID card
- Any ID issued Wisconsin government
- Recent real estate tax bill
- Student ID and a fee receipt from the past 9 months
- Utility bill from the last 90 days
- Bank or credit card statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or document
- Letter from a social service agency for voters without permanent housing
- Rental lease
- Paperwork from a nursing home or assisted living facility
To register to vote:
- You must provide your driver’s license number or state ID number if you have one.
- If you do not have either of these IDs, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
- If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration form.
If don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number your provide to official records, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
- If you vote in person, present an accepted form of ID at the polls.
- If you vote by mail, provide a copy of an accepted form of ID with your absentee ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin allows you to register and vote on Election Day and during most of the early voting period (up until the Friday before the election).
You must present proof of residency with your name and current address. Common examples include:Wisconsin driver’s license
- Wisconsin driver’s license
- Wisconsin state ID card
- Any ID issued Wisconsin government
- Recent real estate tax bill
- Student ID and a fee receipt from the past 9 months
- Utility bill from the last 90 days
- Bank or credit card statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or document
- Letter from a social service agency for voters without permanent housing
- Rental lease
- Paperwork from a nursing home or assisted living facility
You also need to show a photo ID that is accepted for voting.
The deadline to register online or by mail is 20 days before Election Day.
Can I register to vote in Wisconsin if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register to vote in Wisconsin, use Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Wisconsin if I attend college in Wisconsin?
College students are allowed to vote using their Wisconsin school residence address. You can decide if you prefer to register in your home state or in Wisconsin if you attend school there. You may only be registered and vote in one location.
Wisconsin accepts some student IDs for voting. Check the state’s requirements here.
Register to Vote in Wisconsin
Submit the form below to register in Wisconsin.
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
If you are a registered Wisconsin voter but do not present an accepted photo ID when voting in person, you have to cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls. You need to take extra steps for your vote to count!
How to Make a Provisional Ballot Count
You can either return with an accepted photo ID before the polls close on Election Day or bring one to your municipal clerk’s office by 4 pm on the Friday after the election.
Find your local Municipal Clerk
Voting by Mail
Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot in Wisconsin. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
Request your absentee ballot online or from your municipal clerk’s office. You must provide a copy or photo of an accepted ID the first time you request an absentee ballot.
You can use any of the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
You don’t need to include any ID when you return your absentee ballot.
Your ballot’s certificate envelope must be signed by an adult witness who is a US citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track my Wisconsin mail ballot?
Can I fix my Wisconsin mail ballot if it is rejected?
Wisconsin municipal clerks are not required to contact voters to inform them that their ballot was rejected, but they can do so. If a clerk receives an absentee ballot with an improper certificate or no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot whenever there is sufficient time for you to correct the defect and return your ballot before the deadline.
You may submit a replacement ballot, provided it is received by the municipal clerk’s office or polling place no later than 8 pm on Election Day. You should check with your municipal clerk’s office to confirm the deadline and proper location to return ballots.
