Wisconsin DMV details process to get ID in time for February primary

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles and Wisconsin Department of Transportation explained the steps needed to get an ID in time for voting in next week’s primary.

If you’re of voting age and have never gotten a form of Wisconsin identification, such as a driver’s license, you can get a free ID from the DMV.

The DMV said that after filling out a form, the person applying for the ID would need to provide proof of name, date of birth, identity, Wisconsin residency, U.S. residency or legal resident status. If you’re using the ID solely for voting and don’t have one or more of those documents, you can fill out a form and work with the DMV on getting everything needed for an ID.

To clarify, the DOT said that there is no separate “voter ID” and that a REAL ID is not required in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s primary is next week. If you have a driver license or ID, you already have the identification you need to show at the polls. (It does NOT need to be a REAL ID.) If you need an ID, start here: https://t.co/Qx8bwNPx4R #WIvote pic.twitter.com/9J9yPBV8s1

— Wisconsin DOT (@WisconsinDOT) February 12, 2024

The rate of acceptance through the DMV’s petition process is right around half, with over 10,000 IDs issued this way, according to data from the DOT.

A full list of acceptable voting documents, including photo ID, is available on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.

For more information, you can find a DMV service center, email the DMV, or call the DMV and voter ID hotline at 844-588-1069.

The 2024 Spring Primary is on Feb. 20, with the 2024 Spring election on April 2. The 2024 Fall Primary is on Aug. 13, while the 2024 General Election will be held on Nov. 5.

To find your voter registration status, see a sample ballot, or look up your voter information, you can visit MyVote Wisconsin.

For information on Wisconsin’s elections, you can visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission. You can also see who has registered to run in different races and see candidate nomination paperwork.