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Obtaining an identification (ID) card

Any Wisconsin resident who does not presently hold a valid driver license (from Wisconsin or another jurisdiction) may apply for an ID card. You may not hold a valid driver license and an ID card at the same time. If you hold a valid driver license and wish to obtain an ID card, you will be required to surrender your driver license.

There is no age limit to apply for an ID card.

Applying for an original (first time) ID card

When applying for an original ID card you must visit a DMV service center, complete form MV3004 (405 KB) - Wisconsin Identification Card (ID) Application and provide:

• Proof of name and date of birth, for example, a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization.
• Proof of identity (usually a document with a signature or photo).
• Proof of Wisconsin residency.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, legal conditional resident status or legal temporary visitor status.
• Your social security number.

Note: If you have held a driver license in the past eight years and now wish to apply for an original ID card, you would only be required to provide proof of identity upon application for your ID card.

Applying for a duplicate or renewal of an existing ID card

Depending on your eligibility, a duplicate or renewal of your ID card can be applied for:

• By using our Online ID card duplicate/renewal service
• By mailing in a MV3004 (405 KB) - Wisconsin Identification Card (ID) Application. Be sure to answer all the questions on the form. Mail to: WisDOT, PO Box 7995, Madison, WI 53707-7995
• At a DMV service center. When you visit the DMV service center, be sure to bring with you:
  • Your current ID card or other acceptable proof of identity.
  • Your Social Security number.

Original ID cards are mailed to applicants 18 years old or older - If your ID card is 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.

FREE Wisconsin ID cards for voting

ID cards used for voting are FREE. If you are a U.S. citizen, will be at least 18 years of age by the next election, and require a Wisconsin ID card to vote, please check the ID for FREE box when completing the MV3004 (405 KB) - Wisconsin Identification Card (ID) Application or when applying online. Otherwise, please pay the required fee. DMV service centers accept cash or checks only.

A free ID card is NOT available under the following circumstances:

• If you currently have a valid, unexpired  driver license (DL), you are not eligible under Wisconsin law to obtain an ID.
• If you will not be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election.
• If you are not eligible to vote in Wisconsin.

DMV does not have information regarding voter eligibility, poll locations, voter registration information or other election information. Please contact your local election officials or county clerk for election information. The Government Accountability Board is another useful source of information:

• Website: http://gab.wi.gov
• Email: gabhelpdesk@wi.gov
• Call: (608) 261-2028

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-2353

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: January 26, 2012
BDS/QIS/DRE