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If you're looking for a Free ID for voting,
go to Voter ID petition page.
There are multiple forms of identification cards that a Wisconsin resident may obtain.
Either a Wisconsin state ID or a Wisconsin driver license, issued by the Wisconsin DMV, serve as an official government-issued, photo identification that can be used to prove your identity, for example, when you open a bank account or register to vote. What’s the difference? Please see definitions below.
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ID Card: A Wisconsin resident may obtain a state-issued ID card that can be used to prove identity and age but cannot be used for operating a motor vehicle.
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Driver License: A Wisconsin
driver license can be used for identification and permits you to drive. You must take and pass a written test and a road test.
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Real ID: Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. The
cards look similar; REAL ID-compliant are marked with a
µ, while non-compliant cards are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.” 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.
Interested in obtaining an original, duplicate (replacement), renewed, or non-expiring ID card?
DMV's
interactive Identification Card Guide is a helpful tool for those looking for information on ID card requirements. The guide will provide you with a checklist of requirements and allow you to pre-fill any required application(s). Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to use the guide to electronically submit your application and schedule an appointment with the DMV for expedited service.
ID cards are mailed. A receipt including your photo will be provided to you. This receipt is acceptable photo identification for voting and serves as your ID until your card arrives in the mail. If you do not receive your ID card within 10 business days, please contact the DMV via email link at the bottom of this page.
Expand the appropriate accordion below for more information:
Any Wisconsin resident may apply for an ID card; however, you may not hold a valid driver license and an ID card at the same time. If you hold a valid driver license but wish to obtain an ID card, you will be required to
surrender your driver license and your driving privilege. There is no age limit to apply for an ID card.
When applying for an original ID card you must visit a
DMV customer service center, complete a Wisconsin Identification Card (ID) application
MV3004 and provide:
An ID Petition Process is available in order to obtain a free ID card for voting. This petition process is available for applicants unable to provide the above proofs.
Depending on your eligibility*, a duplicate or renewal of your ID card can be applied for:
- By using our online ID card application (Start Now button below)
- You can make address updates. You will be asked to verify or change your residence and/or mailing address within the online application.
- If your ID card is expiring within the next year, you will be given the option of getting a duplicate or renewing the ID card.
- Customers age 65 and older will have the opportunity to apply for a non-expiring ID card.(anchor to non-expiring ID card accordion below)
- By mailing in a Wisconsin ID application
MV3004. Be sure to answer all the questions on the form.
- Mail to: WisDOT, P.O. Box 7995, Madison, WI 53707-7995
- Do not send cash. Make check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust
- At a
DMV customer service center. When you visit the DMV service center, be sure to bring with you:
*You must apply in person if:
- You need to apply for an original (first time) REAL ID-compliant ID card
- Your ID card
- has been expired for more than two years
- was previously renewed online or by mail (a new photo will be required)
- is currently canceled
- needs to be mailed to a temporary out-of-state address
- You are changing your
- personal identifier (e.g., weight or hair color)
- name (must show
proof of name change)
- gender (must show proof by court order or physician’s note)
- status of an
invisible disability
- picture on your identification card
- You have to show additional documentation
- Your photo is not on file at Wisconsin DMV, or your photo on file does not meet current DMV photo standards
- You are receiving an error message on the online application that stops you from completing your request
- You have applied for four duplicates online within the last year
Have the following items ready for online application:
- Your Wisconsin ID/DL card number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number (or your full Social Security Number if you don't have your Wisconsin ID/DL card number available), your date of birth and your zip code.
- You will be required to enter your email address within this application.
- Ability to take a live photo (for identity verification)
**Please Note: Photo currently on file with Wisconsin DMV will be printed on the ID or Driver License that is purchased through online transactions. Desktop or mobile selfies are for identity verification purposes only. Visit a DMV Customer Service Center to update your photo.**
- A printer with standard white 8.5 x 11-inch paper to print your ID photo receipt
- Payment information
- Credit/debit card/PayPal (convenience/service fee applies) OR
- Checking/savings account numbers and avoid the convenience/service fee
- If you are eligible to vote, you will be provided the opportunity to apply for a free ID card for voting purposes
Once the online transaction is completed, you cannot cancel it or receive a refund. Verify that you have entered the information correctly before completing payment information.
Start Now
Note: This online service is not available from 2 a.m. - 3 a.m. each day due to system updates.
This service may not be available on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.m. due to regular system maintenance.
Wisconsin allows its residents, who are U.S. Citizens age 65 and over, to obtain an ID card which never expires.
- The ID card is free if used for voting purposes and once issued, the card never needs to be renewed--no more visits to a DMV.
- The words “Non-expiring” appear in place of the typical expiration date.
- Individuals holding a driver license, who wish to obtain this non-expiring ID card, must surrender their driving privileges.
- If you currently hold a
REAL ID compliant card and want a non-expiring ID card you will have to forfeit your REAL ID privileges.
Customers age 65 and older, who currently hold an expiring ID card (that is not a REAL ID), may apply for a non-expiring ID card within the
online renewal application.
Any Wisconsin resident may apply for an ID card; however, you may not hold a valid driver license and an ID card at the same time. If you hold a valid driver license but wish to obtain an ID card, you will be required to surrender your driver license and your driving privilege.
Customers who wish to surrender their driving privilege may apply at a DMV service center or use the online service (Start Now button below) to surrender their driver license and apply for an ID card at the same time.
Have the following items ready:
- Your Wisconsin ID/DL card number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number (or your full Social Security Number if you don't have your Wisconsin ID/DL card number available), your date of birth and your zip code.
- You will be required to enter your email address within this application.
- Ability to take a live photo (for identity verification)
**Please Note: Photo currently on file with Wisconsin DMV will be printed on the ID or Driver License that is purchased through online transactions. Desktop or mobile selfies are for identity verification purposes only. Visit a DMV Customer Service Center to update your photo.**
- A printer with standard white 8.5 x 11-inch paper to print your ID photo receipt
- Payment information
- Credit/debit card/PayPal (convenience/service fee applies) OR
- Checking/savings account numbers and avoid the convenience/service fee
- If you are eligible to vote, you will be provided the opportunity to apply for a free ID card for voting purposes
Once the online transaction is completed, you cannot cancel it or receive a refund. Verify that you have entered the information correctly before completing payment information.
Start Now
Note: This online service is not available from 2 a.m. - 3 a.m. each day due to system updates.
This service may not be available on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.m. due to regular system maintenance.
If you have reason to believe your identity has been stolen, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately!
You can also ask the DMV to place a notation on your driving record by contacting the DMV Qualifications and Issuance Section by email at
dre.dmv@dot.wi.gov
- The notation will say, “Verify identification documents.”
- This will require DMV and law enforcement to require additional identification documents from you when you conduct business with them.
- The following documents are acceptable to verify your identity:
- One form of REAL ID-compliant proof of name and date of birth
- Two forms of
identification listing your name with either your photograph or signature