Acceptable docs for proof of citizenship

(en español)

Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID compliant products (marked with a µ) in accordance with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. If you plan to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings, the Department of Homeland Security will require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport) beginning May 7, 2025, the new deadline for this federal requirement. Don’t get left behind without a REAL ID.

The documents listed on this page are acceptable proof of legal status in the U.S. for:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Lawful permanent/conditional permanent resident
  • Lawful temporary visitor - the expiration date of the driver license or identification card will match the date the documented legal presence expires (up to an 8-year renewal cycle) and will be marked "limited term."

Documents presented must be original. Photocopies are not acceptable. The department will decline to accept any document presented if it has reason to suspect its authenticity. Questionable documents may require additional review.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must present their legal presence documents every time they apply for a driver license, instructional permit or identification (ID) card.

Documents needed to show proof of legal status:

  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. State or local government issued certificate of birth (certified copy only; birth registration and hospital certificates are not acceptable). In accordance with Puerto Rican law, as of October 30, 2010, Wisconsin will not accept any Puerto Rican birth certificate certified before July 1, 2010.
  • If you obtained U.S. citizenship through the adoption process (Child Citizenship Act of 2000), and you do not possess a valid U.S. passport, you
  • may provide evidence of U.S. citizenship with the following documents (please note that a Certification of Birth Facts is not an acceptable document):
  • » Proof of finalized adoption and,
  • » Foreign passport from your country of birth (valid or expired), which may include the temporary I-551 stamp or,
  • » I-551 Permanent Resident card from the time that you entered the U.S.
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) issued by the U.S. Department of State
  • Valid Permanent Resident card (form I-551) issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (form N-560 or N-561) issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Valid foreign passport with approved form I-94 and authenticated visa issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency
  • Valid Employment Authorization document (form I-766) issued by the U.S. department of Homeland Security or other federal agency

Everything from the REAL ID list above or:

  • Proof of conditional permanent resident status in the United States and the person's alien registration number
  • A nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into the United States
  • An approved application for asylum in the United States or other official documentation showing that the applicant has entered the United States in refugee status
  • A pending application for asylum in the United States
  • A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States
  • Approved deferred action status
  • A pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted in the United States for permanent residence or conditional permanent resident status
  • A U.S. Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services refugee travel document, including form I-512T
  • A U.S. Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form I-797, Notice of Action
  • A U.S. Department of State Reception and Placement Program Assurance form, accompanied by form I-94

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must present proof of legal presence every time you apply for a new card.

Persons with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) are required to provide proof of legal status upon original (first time) issuance, renewal, transferring an out of state license or when adding or removing a class, endorsement or restriction. Acceptable documents are:

  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. State or local government issued Certificate of Birth. (Wisconsin will not accept Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, in line with Puerto Rico’s law as of October 30, 2010. More information available at pr.gov)
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid I-551, permanent resident card (issued b​y the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. citizenship and immigration services). Non-expiring I-551 (issued 1977-1989) cards are acceptable
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (federal form N-550)
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (federal form N-560)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Form I-94/I-94A documenting the applicants most recent admittance into the U.S. also indicating one the following employment-based non-immigrant categories:
    • H2-A,
    • H2-B, or
    • E-2 visa

Note: If you recently entered the U.S. and were not issued a paper I-94 form, visit cbp.gov/I94 to print your electronic I-94 before applying for immigration or public benefits, such as a driver license, identification card or a Social Security number.

Under federal law, temporary visitors from Canada and Mexico are not allowed to renew or change classes or endorsements on their Wisconsin Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP).

If you are a temporary visitor from Canada or Mexico and wish to continue driving a commercial vehicle in the U.S., you need to obtain a qualifying commercial license from Canada or Mexico before your current Wisconsin CDL or CLP expires.

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