What you need to know about voter ID in Wisconsin

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What is Wisconsin Act No. 2011-23?

Wisconsin Act No. 2011-23 requires Wisconsin voters to provide photo identification (ID) before voting at the polls.  It makes free photo ID cards available to voters who request them for the purpose of voting.

When does Wisconsin Act No. 2011-23 go into effect?

Voters at special and recall elections in 2011 will be asked to show a photo ID; however, a photo ID will not be required until the Presidential Preference Primary in the spring of 2012.

 

What types of photo ID are allowed?

1. A Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DoT)-issued operator's (driver's) license (revoked or suspended licenses are acceptable)

2. A Wisconsin DoT-issued ID card.

3. An ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service.

Since the term "ID issued by a U.S. uniformed service" is used in the law and NOT  simply "Military ID", the ID can only be issued from the following entities:

• United States Army
• United States Marine Corps,
• United States Navy
• United States Air Force
• United States Coast Guard
• United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corps;
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps.

4. A U.S. passport.

Note:  IDs above must be unexpired, or if expired, must be after the date of the most recent general election.

5. A certificate of naturalization that was issued no earlier than 2 years before the date of the election.

6. An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DoT.

7. An unexpired ID card receipt issued by Wisconsin DoT.

8. An ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin.

9. An unexpired ID card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains the date it was issued, the signature of the student and an expiration date no later than 2 years after the date it was issued. Students must also provide proof of enrollment.

Note:  Current address is NOT required on the required ID. 

What if I don't bring photo ID to the polls or the "proper" photo ID?

Voters can still cast a provisional ballot.  In order for the vote to be counted, voters should return with photo ID to the polling place before the closing hour.  Alternatively, they may bring photo ID to the office of the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners no later than 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election. 

Note 1:  If the missing information was proof of residence, the voter must appear in person.  If the missing information is the driver license number, they may mail, fax, email or telephone the information to the municipal clerk.

Note 2: Voters with a sincerely held religious belief against being photographed do not have to provide photo ID.  These voters must instead sign an affidavit stating the religion to which they belong or the tenets to which they adhere that prevent them from being photographed.

How can I apply for a free photo ID card?

Voters should visit any Wisconsin DMV service center and request a free ID for the purpose of voting.  Voters must complete an application and provide:

1. Proof of name and birth.

2. Proof of identity.

3. Proof of Wisconsin residency.

4. Proof of U.S. citizenship.

5. A Social Security Number.

 

When and where can I visit a Wisconsin DMV service center?

Locations and hours of DMV service centers can be found by calling (608) 264-7447 or visiting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation webpage on DMV service centers at

http://www.dot.state.wi.us/about/locate/dmv/scmap.htm.

Once I submit an application, how long will it take to acquire an ID card?

Voters applying for the first time can expect to receive their ID card by mail in approximately 5 business days.  Voters applying for a renewal can expect to receive their ID card the same day they apply.

What can I show for proof of name and birth?

1. A certified birth certificate from Wisconsin.

2. A Certified birth certificate from another State or Territory of the U.S., or a certificate of birth abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State.

3. A current (non-expired) U.S. passport.

4. A valid Wisconsin driver license/DoT-issued ID card, with your photograph and signature.

5. A Certificate of Naturalization.

6. A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.

7. A Native American ID Card issued in Wisconsin by a federally recognized tribe.

8. A court order with court seal related to the adoption or divorce of the individual or to a name or gender change that includes the person's current full legal name, date of birth and the person's prior name. This does not include an abstract of criminal or civil conviction.

9. An Armed Forces of the U.S. ID Card; Common Access Card or DD Form 2.

10. A TSA Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC card).

What can I show for proof of identity?

1. A valid Wisconsin or out-of-state driver license (not a Canadian driver license) with photograph.

Note:  Temporary out-of-state driving receipts are not acceptable.

2. A Military discharge papers, including Federal DD-214.

3. A U.S. Government and Military Dependent ID Card.

4. A valid Wisconsin or out-of-state ID card (not a Canadian ID card) with photograph.

5. A Certified copy of a Marriage Certificate or Judgment of Divorce.

6. A Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration.

7. A TSA Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC card).

What can I show for proof of residency?

1. A current and valid Wisconsin driver's license.

2. A current and valid Wisconsin ID card.

3. An official ID card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.

4. An employer issued photo ID card, issued in the normal course of business, but not a business card.

5. A real estate (i.e., property) tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.

6. A residential lease, for anyone other than a first time voter.

7. A utility bill for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before the election.

8. A bank statement.

9. A paycheck.

10. A check or other document issued by a unit of government.

What can I show for proof of U.S. citizenship?

1.  A U.S. state or local government-issued certificate of birth

     Note:  Must be a certified copy-birth registration and hospital certificates are not acceptable.

2.  A valid U.S. passport.

3.  A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship.

4.  A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.

5.  A valid Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) federal form I-551.

6.  A DHS/Transportation Security Administration (TSA) transportation worker ID credential.

For more information on applying for a free photo ID card, call the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board at (608) 266-8005, email the Board at gab@wi.gov or visit the Board's webpage on Wisconsin Act No. 2011-23 at http://gab.wi.gov/taxonomy/term/135.

 

Information on applying for a Wisconsin birth certificate

Voters may apply for a certified birth certificate either in person, by mail or by fax.  Applications are available online, at the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, by mail or by fax.

To print out an application to be submitted in person or by mail, visit http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/F0/F05291.pdf.  To print out an application to be submitted by fax, visit http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/F0/F05292.pdf.  To pick up an application, visit the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Room 158, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-0309.  To receive an application by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Birth Record Application, P.O. Box 309, Madison, Wisconsin  53701-0309.  To receive an application by fax, call (608) 266-1373.

Applying in person

Voters should submit a completed application, $20 search fee and a valid photo ID to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

The $20 search fee should be paid in cash, by check or by money order, the latter two made payable to Wisconsin Vital Records.  This fee is non-refundable.  A valid photo ID must include a picture, current address and expiration date.  The Wisconsin Vital Records Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays and designated furlough days.

When picking up the birth certificate, voters must show one of the following: a Wisconsin driver's license with photo, Wisconsin ID with photo or out-of-state driver's license or ID with photo.  Alternatively, voters may show two of the following: a government-issued employee ID badge with photo, U.S. passport, checkbook or bankbook, major credit card, health insurance card, recent dated, signed lease, utility bill or traffic ticket.

In-person requests are completed within 2 hours of acceptance at counter if received by 2:00 p.m.  Requests received after 2:00 p.m. will be completed by 10:00 a.m. on the next business day.

Expedited in-person requests for certified copies of birth certificates generally will be completed within 15 to 30 minutes.  Expedited requests will not be processed after 4:00 p.m.  Expedited requests cost an additional $20.

Cost Options:

1.  Regular service ($20 search fee): $20

2.  Expedited service ($20 search fee + $20 expedited service fee): $40

Applying by mail

Voters should mail a completed application, $20 search fee, a photocopy of the applicant's current valid photo ID and a self-addressed, business-size stamped envelope to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

The $20 search fee should be paid by check or by money order and made payable to Wisconsin Vital Records. 

See "Applying in person" for acceptable forms of photo ID.  Applications should be mailed to Wisconsin Vital

Records Office, P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309.

Requests for copies of birth certificates will be completed within one month.

Expedited service is not available by mail.

Cost Options:

1.  Regular service ($20 search fee): $20

Applying by fax

Voter should submit a completed application, which includes a credit card number, to (608) 255-2035.

Faxed requests to be sent by regular mail will be completed and mailed within 5 business days.

Faxed requests for copies to be sent by overnight UPS will be completed and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.  UPS requests are processed until 1:00 p.m. each business day for next business day delivery.

All requests received by fax will be charged for expedited service.  The cost for expedited service is $20 per record in addition to the $20 birth certificate search fee.  All costs must be paid by credit card and there is an additional $6 fee for credit card processing.

The fee for UPS shipping is $17.50 within the continental U.S. There may be additional shipping costs for areas outside the continental U.S. or for Saturday delivery. UPS requires a signature for delivery.

Cost Options:

1.  Expedited service ($20 search fee + $20 expedited service fee + $6 credit card processing fee): $46

2.  Expedited service with overnight UPS shipping ($20 search fee + $20 expedited service fee + $6 credit   

     card processing fee + $17.50 overnight UPS shipping fee): $73.50

For more information on applying for a Wisconsin birth certificate, call the Wisconsin Office of Vital Records at either (608) 266-1371 (automated assistance) or (608) 266-1373 (service counter), email the Office at DHSVitalRecords@wisconsin.gov or visit the Office's webpage on birth certificates at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/birth.htm.

 

Information on applying for a U.S. passport

Applying for the first time

Voters should submit in person a completed application, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, $55 passport card fee and one passport photo to a Passport Acceptance Facility.

To print an application, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html.  To locate a Passport Acceptance Facility, visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/DefaultForm.aspx.

Routine applications are processed in approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of application. 

Expedited service applications are processed in about 2 to 3 weeks door-to-door, when overnight delivery is requested and paid for both ways (to and from the passport agency).  Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Instead of applying for a passport card, which is not valid for international travel by air, voters may apply for a passport book.  The fee for a passport book is $135.

Cost Options:

1.  Passport card, regular service ($55 passport card fee): $55

2.  Passport card, expedited service ($55 passport card fee + $60 expedited service fee): $110

3.  Passport book, regular service ($135 passport book fee): $135

4.  Passport book, expedited service ($135 passport book fee + $60 expedited service fee): $195

Applying for a renewal

Voters renewing a passport card should submit by mail a completed application, a passport photo that is stapled to the application, most recent U.S. passport, fee and a marriage certificate or court order (only if current name is different from what was recorder in most recent U.S. passport).

To print an application, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html.

Voters who have a passport book can apply for a renewal of a passport book and/or passport card.  Voters who have a passport card can only apply for a renewal of a passport card.

The renewal fee for a passport book is $110.  The renewal fee for a passport card is $30.

Applications should be sent in a padded envelope to the address listed on Form DS-82.

Routine applications are processed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the time of application. 

Expedited service applications are processed in about 2 to 3 weeks door-to-door, when overnight delivery is requested and paid for both ways (to and from the passport agency).  Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Cost Options:

1.  Passport card, routine service ($30 passport card fee): $30

2.  Passport book, routine service ($110 passport book fee): $110

3.  Passport card and book, routine service ($30 passport card fee + $110 passport book fee): $140

4.  Passport card, expedited service ($30 passport card + $60 expedited service fee): $90

5.  Passport book, expedited service ($110 passport book fee + $60 expedited service fee): $170

6.  Passport card and book, expedited service ($30 passport card fee + $110 passport book fee + $60

     expedited service fee): $200

For more information on applying for a U.S. passport, call the Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-877-487-2778, email the National Passport Information Center at NPIC@state.gov or visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' webpage on passports at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

 

Information on applying for a Social Security Card

Applications are available at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html.  Applicants can expect their Social Security Card 10 to 14 days after all documents have been verified and application has been processed.  There is no fee to apply for a Social Security Card.  To locate a Social Security Office, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp.

For a U.S. born adult or foreign born U.S. citizen, applying for the first time

Voters should submit in person or by mail a completed application and 2 documents proving age, identity and citizenship to a Social Security Office.

Documents that prove identity include a U.S. driver's license.  The only document that proves age is a birth certificate.  Documents that prove citizenship include a U.S. passport. 

For a U.S. born adult, applying for a renewal

Voters should submit in person or by mail a completed application and a document that proves identity to a Social Security Office.

Documents that prove identity include a U.S. driver's license. 

For a foreign born U.S. citizen, applying for a renewal

Voters should submit in person or by mail a completed application and documents proving identity and U.S. citizenship to a local Social Security Office.

Documents that prove identity include a driver's license.  Documents that prove citizenship include a U.S. passport.

For more information on applying for a Social Security Card, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit Social Security's webpage on Social Security numbers and cards at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.