Identification Cards in Wisconsin

SUMMARY: Wisconsin Identification Cards

Applications for a Wisconsin ID card must be made in person. You will need proof of your identity, legal U.S. presence, WI address, and SSN, plus payment for the fee. Renewal and duplicate card applications can be made online, by mail, or in person.

Need a form of ID, but not the driving kind? Then an identification card is the document for you! Continue reading this page to learn how to apply for an ID card from the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Wisconsin REAL IDs

The Wisconsin DMV now issues federally-compliant REAL ID cards in addition to non-compliant ID cards. REAL IDs allow you to use your identification card for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. For more details on WI REAL IDs, see below.

Apply for an ID Card in Wisconsin

NOTE: If you'd like a free Wisconsin ID card for voting purposes only, see below.

In Wisconsin, you can apply for an ID card at any age if you:

  • Are a legal resident of the state.
  • Don't have a valid U.S. driver's license.
    • If you do have one, you must surrender it upon application for a WI identification card.

To apply for a WI non-driver ID card, visit a DMV office and:

NOTE: If you had a WI driver's license within the last 8 years, you will only need to provide proof of your identity.

If you provide all of the required documents, you will be issued a REAL ID-compliant card. If you're unable to provide some documents, you may be eligible for a non-REAL ID compliant identification card.

Voter ID Card

You can apply for a free ID card in Wisconsin for voting purposes only, if you:

  • Will be 18 years old or older by the next election.
  • Are a U.S. citizen.
  • Are eligible to vote in Wisconsin.

Applications must be made in person at a WI DMV office. You will need:

Renew or Replace an ID Card in WI

Your Wisconsin ID card will be valid for 8 years at a time.

Renewals and replacements can be obtained:

  • Online.
  • By mail.
  • In person.

Let's go through the steps for each option below.

NOTES:

  • If you DO NOT have a REAL ID card but would like one, you must renew/replace your identification card in person.
  • If you've changed your address, update your information with the Wisconsin DMV before renewing or ordering a duplicate ID card online or by mail.

Fees for a State ID Card

  • Original: $28.
  • Renewal: $28.
  • Replacement: $16.

Voter identification cards in Wisconsin are free.

Accepted Payment Methods

  • Online transactions:
    • VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit/debit card.
    • eCheck.
  • By mail:
    • Check or money order made payable to “Registration Fee Trust."
  • In-person transactions:
    • Cash.
    • Check.
    • Money order.

NOTE: Credit/debit card payments will be charged an additional convenience fee.

Forms

MV3012
DMV Administrator Petition
Apply for a free identification card for the sole purpose of voting in Wisconsin if you don't have another form of photo ID. Must provide proof of identity and residency with this DMV form.
MV3004
Identification Card Application
Apply for a WI identification card with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
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