Need a Wisconsin ID to vote? Here's how to get one

MADISON (WKOW) - The April 2 Election is around the corner, and there's still time to get voting registration in order. Wisconsin's Department of Motor Vehicles explains the steps necessary to obtain an ID to use at the polls.

One important note: there is no such thing as a "Wisconsin Voter ID Card." The new Voter Photo ID law uses existing IDs so people can simply prove their identity before voting. Your address doesn't have to be current, and the name doesn't have to be exactly the same, so if there are nicknames or abbreviations, it should still be accepted. 

First, voters need to ensure they have the right ID. According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, IDs can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (November 8, 2022): 

• A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended, 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.
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
• 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.

The following photo IDs are also acceptable, but must be unexpired:

• NEW: 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)
• A temporary identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT through the Identification Petition Process (IDPP) (valid for 60 days)

If you need a Wisconsin ID or license to vote, head to the DMV's website to begin the process. This ID may be free if used for voting purposes. You would then need to bring the required documents, including birth certificate, proof of identity, and Wisconsin residency, to your nearest DMV.

Appointments are available but not required. According to the DMV's website, if all documentation is not readily available, the DMV offers a free process that may be used to obtain a receipt valid for voting while the remaining documents or verifications are obtained.

The DMV offers a toll-free hotline (844)-588-1069 for any questions on getting an ID. For other questions regarding voter eligibility, polling locations and registration, head to the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.