Acceptable documents for proof of identity

(en español)

Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID compliant products (marked with a µ) in accordance with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. If you plan to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings, the Department of Homeland Security will require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport) beginning May 7, 2025, the new deadline for this Federal requirement. Don’t get left behind without a REAL ID.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of documents acceptable as proof of identity. Per Trans 102.15(4)(a), any original and authentic document identifying the person by name and bearing the person's signature, a reproduction of the person's signature, or a photograph of the person is acceptable.

For REAL ID compliant and non-compliant cards:

  • A valid (or expired eight years or less) photo driver license or photo identification card issued by Wisconsin or another jurisdiction, except a province of the Dominion of Canada
  • U.S. Passport or Passport Card valid or expired 5 years or less and issued at age 16 or older
    • Expired passports are NOT acceptable proof of name and date of birth or proof of citizenship or legal status in the U.S.
  • Military discharge papers (including certified copy of federal form DD-214)
  • U.S. government and military dependent identification card
  • Marriage certificate or certified copy of judgment of divorce
  • Documents permitted under proof of name and date of birth, if it bears a photograph
  • A parent or guardian having legal custody identifies person under the age of 18 and the parent or guardian shows a valid Wisconsin operator’s license or ID card
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), issued by the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration
  • A valid photo ID card from any U.S. university, college, technical college or high school. The card must contain your name and photograph.
  • Unexpired temporary driving license or ID card receipt, including receipts from other jurisdictions
  • Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration
  • W-2 form including the customer's name, address and SSN
  • SSA - 1099 form
  • Non SSA-1099 form
  • Paystub with the applicants name and entire Social Security Number listed
  • Or provide BOTH of the requirements below:
    • An unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant's most recent admittance into the United States
    • A document to demonstrate a non-work authorized status
  • A government-issued product from a federal, state, county or city agency with the applicant’s name and signature.
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate release ID card​​

The department will decline to accept any document presented if it has reason to suspect its authenticity.
Questionable documents may require additional review.

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