Wisconsin Voter Photo ID Requirements: 2026
Photo ID is required to vote in Wisconsin, whether in person on Election Day, in person absentee, or absentee by mail (a copy must accompany the absentee request). The address on the ID does NOT need to be current and REAL ID compliance is not required. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you can get a FREE Wisconsin State ID card for voting at any DMV customer service center; if you lack required documents you can petition the DMV to verify your identity (wisconsindot.gov). Exceptions to the photo ID requirement: military and permanent overseas voters, indefinitely confined voters (witness signature on envelope substitutes), confidential electors, and care-facility residents voting with special voting deputies. A separate 'voter ID card' does not exist.
Accepted photo IDs
- Wisconsin driver license (may be expired, but expiration must be after the last November general election — Nov 5, 2024 — for the Nov 3, 2026 election)
- Wisconsin DOT-issued photo ID card (same expiration rule)
- U.S. passport book or card (same expiration rule)
- U.S. Uniformed Services (military) ID (may be expired since last general election, or indefinite)
- Veterans Affairs ID card (unexpired or with no expiration date)
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Wisconsin tribe (any expiration date)
- Certificate of Naturalization (issued within the last 2 years before the election)
- Accredited Wisconsin university/college/tech college student ID showing date of issuance, student signature, and expiration within 2 years of issuance (if expired since last general election, must be accompanied by proof of current enrollment)
- Unexpired Wisconsin driver license or state ID receipt (valid for 45 days from issuance)
Common questions
Do I need a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin?
Yes. Photo ID is required whether you vote in person on Election Day, in person absentee, or absentee by mail (a copy must accompany the absentee ballot request).
What forms of photo ID are accepted in Wisconsin?
A Wisconsin driver license or DOT-issued photo ID card, a U.S. passport book or card, a military ID, and several other forms listed in the full guide above. The address on the ID does not need to match your registration address.