Photo ID

Getting a free ID for voting is easy even if you do not have the documentation to get a regular Wisconsin ID. Wisconsin residents can get one for free from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Election Day Voting

Voter Registration and Proof of Residence

Absentee Voting and Photo ID

Communication tools for Local Election Officials

Acceptable Photo IDs

Print, Video, and Other Outreach Materials

Frequently Asked Questions – Photo ID

You will need to show an original copy of an acceptable photo ID to vote at your polling place or to cast an in-person absentee ballot at your municipal clerk's office.

You will also be required to provide a photocopy of your ID to cast an absentee ballot by mail, with certain exceptions for military and permanent overseas voters and permanent absentee voters.

The photo ID requirement is in effect for all elections after April 2015.

These are acceptable for voting purposes, and can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (currently, the November 8, 2022 election):

• A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, and with or without a star in the right-hand corner.
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card, with or without a star in the right-hand corner
• Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• A U.S. passport
• An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)
• A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of student, and an expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance. (May be used even if expired before the most recent general election.)
  • If the university or college ID is expired, the student ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment.

  These photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:

  • A veteran’s photo identification card issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs
  • A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
  • A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
  • An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)

  There is no such thing as a "Wisconsin Voter ID Card." The new Voter Photo ID Law uses existing photo IDs for people to prove their identity before voting.

  You can get a free state ID card from the Division of Motor Vehicles if you do not already have a Wisconsin driver license.