Wisconsin voters need to show an acceptable photo ID when voting at the polls or by absentee ballot. There are some exceptions to the law when voting by absentee ballot.
What Forms of Photo ID can i use to vote?
Wisconsin DOT-issued driver's license*
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Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card*
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ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
(Can be current or expired)
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U.S. passport (booklet or card)*
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Suspended Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, or a citation to do so
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Veteran's photo ID card issued by the Veteran's Health Administration
(Unexpired or no expiration date)
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Driving or ID card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT
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Photo ID card issued by an accredited Wisconsin university or college AND Proof of Enrollment
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Certificate of naturalization (Issued within two years of voting)
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U.S. Military ID card*
*OK if expired after Nov. 8, 2016
What if i recently changed my name?
Per the Wisconsin Elections Commission:
- For voting purposes, a name change is not effective until you have updated the name with an agency that can issue an acceptable photo ID.
- This is usually done at the Wisconsin DMV, the US Department of State passport service, a branch of the armed services, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or an accredited college or university.
- Even if you have recently married or divorced, or changed your name by court order, if you have not updated your name in your photo ID, you should continue to register and vote under your previous name.
- Once you have a photo ID with your new name on it, you must re-register to vote with your new name. You can re-register here.
what if I recently changed my address?
If your address has changed, you need to re-register to vote.
You will need to provide a proof of residence document that has your new address when you re-register to vote. Acceptable documents include:
- To be eligible to vote from your new address, you must live at the address for at least 10 consecutive days prior to the election, per Wisconsin law.
- If you have not lived at your new address for the required ten days, you are still eligible to vote at your former address.
- If you have moved into the state less than ten days before an election, you may still be eligible to vote on a Presidential-only ballot.
You will need to provide a proof of residence document that has your new address when you re-register to vote. Acceptable documents include:
- State of Wisconsin Driver's License or State ID card that is unexpired and not suspended or revoked
- Any other official identification issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit
- A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election
- A gas, electric, or telephone service statement (utility bill) from no more than 90 days before election day
- Bank statement
- Paycheck or paystub
- A check or other government-issued document
- A residential lease
- An intake document for a residential living facility (like a nursing home or assisted living facility)
What If i am a college student?
As a student in the state of Wisconsin, you can register to vote even if you are not a resident.
A student ID can be used to vote in Wisconsin, but only if it includes all of the following information:
You can look up your institution to see if your current student ID is acceptable for voting:
You also must present proof that you are enrolled in the school at the time of the election. Documents for proof of enrollment include:
If your student ID does not have all of the necessary features, you can contact the Department of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Students at your school to see if the school offers a special voting compliant student ID.
A student ID can be used to vote in Wisconsin, but only if it includes all of the following information:
- Your name
- Your signature
- Your photo
- The date the card was issued (the issue date cannot be more than two years from the expiration date)
- The date the card expires (an expired card can still be used to vote)
You can look up your institution to see if your current student ID is acceptable for voting:
- University of Wisconsin – 4-Year Schools
- University of Wisconsin – 2-Year Schools
- Wisconsin Private Universities & Colleges
- Wisconsin Technical Colleges
You also must present proof that you are enrolled in the school at the time of the election. Documents for proof of enrollment include:
- Enrollment verification letter
- Class schedule
- Tuition fee receipt
- Certified Campus Housing List
If your student ID does not have all of the necessary features, you can contact the Department of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Students at your school to see if the school offers a special voting compliant student ID.
how do i get a free state id card?
You can get a free state ID card at your local Division of Motor Vehicles office.
You will need to bring in original documents that satisfy the following categories:
When filling out your application, check the box that says "ID for Free". Once completed, hold on to your receipt. Valid for 45 days, you can use this receipt at the polls until your free state ID arrives by mail.
If you have questions about getting a FREE state ID, you can call the Voter ID Hotline at (844) 588-1069.
You will need to bring in original documents that satisfy the following categories:
- Proof of name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate)
- Proof of identity (such as a Social Security card, Medicaid/Medicare card)
- Proof of citizenship or legal status (such as a US birth certificate or citizenship paperwork)
- Proof of Wisconsin residency (such as a utility bill, government mail, lease, etc.)
When filling out your application, check the box that says "ID for Free". Once completed, hold on to your receipt. Valid for 45 days, you can use this receipt at the polls until your free state ID arrives by mail.
If you have questions about getting a FREE state ID, you can call the Voter ID Hotline at (844) 588-1069.
Do i need a voter id to vote absentee?
Certain absentee voters are exempt from providing photo ID, whereas others are not.
A Valid Photo ID must be provided when voting by absentee ballot if you are...
However, you could be exempt from providing photo ID if you are...
A Valid Photo ID must be provided when voting by absentee ballot if you are...
- Voting in the clerk's office
- A regular absentee voter requesting a ballot by mail, email, or fax
- An elector that has moved within Wisconsin less than 28 days before the election
- A presidential-only elector, hospitalized elector, or a sequestered juror
However, you could be exempt from providing photo ID if you are...
- A Military voter
- A permanent overseas voter
- A confidential elector
