Wisconsin's New Voter Photo ID Law

Voter Photo ID is now the law in Wisconsin.  Governor Walker signed Act 23 on May 25, 2011 requiring voters to show a photo ID at polling places, and making other changes to election law affecting residency, straight party voting and absentee voting.  Beginning with the February election in 2012, voters will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver license or state-issued ID in order to receive a ballot and vote. 

IDs that will be acceptable include:

• A Wisconsin DOT issued driver license
• A Wisconsin DOT issued identification card
• An identification card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• A U.S. passport
• A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
• An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT
• An unexpired identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT
• An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
• An unexpired identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of student, expiration date not later than two years after date of issuance

Wisconsin law requires the Department of Transportation to provide the free ID cards to any individual who will be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election and who requests a free ID for the purpose of voting.  The regular fee is $28.  For information about getting a state identification card, please visit the DOT's website:

 http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm

The Government Accountability Board is currently developing education and outreach campaigns for the public prior to the 2012 requirement implementation. 

For Voter Photo ID Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

To view the 2011 Wisconsin Act 23 which relates to: requiring certain identification in order to vote at a polling place or obtain an absentee ballot; absentee voting; late voter registration; proof of residence; a requirement for electors to provide a signature when voting in person at an election; the duration and location of residency for voting purposes; voting a straight party ticket; issuance of operator’s licenses and identification cards by the Department of Transportation; voter registration information; the statewide voter registration list; voter registration activities; granting rule−making authority; and providing a penalty, click here. 

To learn about the History of the Voter Photo ID Law, click here.