The Wisconsin Elections Commission requires voters casting ballots in person to show an acceptable photo ID. There is no separate card just for voting: a state ID can also be used for other purposes, and voter identification is distinct from voter registration.

Eligible U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 by Election Day can apply for a free ID through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles. First-time applicants must go to a DMV customer service center in person. People renewing or replacing an existing state ID may be able to apply online or by mail.

Applicants generally need documents showing their name and date of birth, identity, Wisconsin residency and citizenship or legal status, as well as their Social Security number. Some documents meet more than one requirement; a certified U.S. birth certificate, for example, can establish both birth information and citizenship. The DMV’s document list explains what it accepts. Original documents or certified copies are generally required, though some residency records may be submitted as printouts or photocopies.

Applicants must complete the Wisconsin Identification Card Application and indicate they need the card for voting. The DMV normally provides a temporary paper receipt with a photo, valid for 45 days, while the permanent card is mailed. The agency says permanent cards generally arrive within 10 business days.

The process can still be difficult for people who need to replace documents or lack transportation. Peg Schrader, president of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, said those practical hurdles can include finding acceptable paperwork, paying to replace it and getting to a DMV office.

For people missing required documents, Wisconsin’s Identification Petition Process offers another route. Eligible applicants must visit a DMV office, bring whatever documents they have and submit both the regular ID application and a petition form. The DMV verifies information while issuing a temporary photo document that can be used to vote. State law generally requires the temporary document to be issued within six working days after the petition is received.

The deadline period for this election is Oct. 27 through Nov. 5. Petitions filed during those dates must be processed within 24 hours, with the document sent by overnight or next-day mail. That expedited schedule does not guarantee delivery before Election Day for someone who applies before Nov. 3.

Some voters may already have an acceptable ID. Wisconsin driver’s licenses and state ID cards qualify if unexpired or expired after Nov. 5, 2024. U.S. passports and qualifying military IDs are also accepted under the same expiration rule. Certain student and tribal IDs qualify as well. A REAL ID is not required, and the address printed on an ID does not need to match the voter’s current address.

Wisconsin’s voter ID law was enacted in 2011 and fully implemented in 2015 after legal challenges. In 2025, voters approved a constitutional amendment adding the photo ID requirement to the state constitution.

Registered voters who arrive at the polls without acceptable ID can request a provisional ballot. To have it counted, they must show qualifying ID at their polling place by 8 p.m. Nov. 3 or provide it to their municipal clerk by 4 p.m. Nov. 6. Eligible residents can also register at the polls, but must separately provide proof of residence.

For help with free IDs or the petition process, the DMV voter ID hotline is 844-588-1069. VoteRiders offers assistance with identification, supporting documents and transportation at 866-432-8683. Souls to the Polls can provide information about free rides to DMV offices and polling places at 414-742-1060. Milwaukee County voting assistance is available at mkevote.com, and Disability Rights Wisconsin can answer voting-rights and accessibility questions at 844-347-8683. Voters can check registration, polling locations and other election details at MyVote Wisconsin.