Wisconsin Requires a Photo ID to Vote

To learn more about the Wisconsin Voter Photo ID Law, including information on obtaining a free state ID, please visit the Bring it to the Ballot website.

Photo Identification (ID) Requirements

All Wisconsin voters must show an acceptable photo ID before voting. This includes voters at polling places and at the in-person absentee voting location. Voters who wish to vote by mail must have a valid photo ID on file (unless the voter is indefinitely confined due to age, illness, disability or infirmity).

Facts About Photo ID

• The address on your photo ID does NOT have to be your current address.
• The name on your photo ID does not have to be an exact match to your name in the poll book (for example, "John" versus "Johnathan," or "Liz" versus "Elizabeth."
• Your ID should reasonably resemble you, but does not need to be an exact match.
• If the ID has an expiration date, it must meet the expiration requirements listed below.
• You will need to show one of the photo ID types listed below. Please note that there is no such thing as a "Voter ID Card."
  
  

Acceptable Forms of Voter Photo ID

The following photo IDs are acceptable, even if they are recently expired (as long as the ID did not expire before the last General Election):

• A Wisconsin Driver License, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
• A Wisconsin Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (available for free)
• A Military ID card issued by the U.S. Uniformed Services
• A U.S. passport book or card 
• An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (can be used even if expired, regardless of expiration date)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID (must be unexpired or have no expiration)

The following IDs are also acceptable, but cannot be expired:

• A Wisconsin Driver license receipt or Wisconsin Identification Card receipt issued by Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (valid for 45 days after it is issued)
• A Certificate of Naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of the election
• A photo ID card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains the date of issuance and the signature of the student. If the university or college ID is expired it must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment, such as a tuition fee receipt, enrollment verification letter, or class schedule. 
• A citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend a Wisconsin Driver License that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election.
• A State of Wisconsin, DOT issued, identification card without a photo, issued to those electors with a religious objection to being photographed.

Photo IDs NOT Acceptable for Voter Photo ID

• A State of Federal government employee ID
• An out-of-state driver license or identification card
• An employment ID
• A membership or organization ID
• A Certificate of Citizenship