Getting a government-issued ID in Wisconsin card gives you access to many benefits. For example, if you are involved in an accident where you are rendered unconscious, the DMV state ID card will let authorities know your name, age and other relevant information so they can provide the best care. Likewise, if you are involved in a situation where you need to prove your identity or verify your age, you can use the credential to do so.

The benefits that come with an ID are similar to those that come with a drivers license. The only difference is that an ID does not allow you to drive a vehicle. However, this also means that you can get one without needing to take any driving tests. In Wisconsin, you can apply to get a state ID card in much the same way and the same place where you would apply for a license. This guide will explain what kinds of ID cards are available and how to apply for them.

Wisconsin DMV ID Requirements

There are several DMV state ID requirements you need to meet before you can apply for an ID. To successfully apply, you must:

• Be a resident of Wisconsin.
• Have a Social Security Number (SSN).
• Be able to verify your name and date of birth.
• Be able to verify that you have legal presence in the U.S.

What do you need to get an ID in Wisconsin?

If you meet the requirements listed above, the next question is, “What do you need to get a state ID?” In order to get an official ID, you must present several documents proving you meet the requirements listed above. As you collect these documents, make sure you know whether you are applying for a non-compliant ID card or a compliant ID card (also known as a REAL ID).

The documents needed for a Wisconsin state ID are as follows:

• Completed ID card application
• One document showing your name and date of birth
• One document verifying your identity
• One document showing your residency in Wisconsin
• One document showing you have legal presence in the U.S.
• One document showing your Social Security Number (SSN)

If you are trying to get a REAL ID card, the documents required for a state ID in order to verify your identity and date of birth are as follows:

• S. passport
• Active foreign passport with current visa
• Certificate of Naturalization or of U.S. citizenship
• Active employment authorization document
• Permanent resident card
• Birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad

When you apply for a non-drivers ID card, you may also need to pay a fee, unless you are a senior citizen or are getting the ID card specifically for voting purposes.

How to Get an ID in Wisconsin

To apply for an ID, start by downloading the ID card application from Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation website. After filling out the application, collect the other documents. To avoid complications, bring original documents instead of copies. You may need to contact some government agencies directly to get those original documents.

Once you have the documents, you must go the DMV to get the ID. Unfortunately, you cannot get an ID online and must visit an office in person. Find your nearest DMV office and set up an appointment by phone or online to apply for a non-drivers ID card. Then, take your documents to the DMV and submit them. If you qualify as a senior citizen or intend to get this ID card specifically for using in voting, you will not need to pay a fee for it.

REAL ID Cards in Wisconsin

There are two kinds of state ID cards you can apply for: a non-compliant card and a compliant card, also known as a REAL ID Card.

The REAL ID card is called a compliant card because it complies with federal regulations for ID cards. These means you can carry this type of ID and use it to enter federal buildings, work on federal property or go through checkpoints guarded by federal personnel. This means that you will need to apply for a REAL ID if you plan to travel regularly, even just domestically.

As noted above, you will need to bring slightly different documents to apply for a REAL card than you would for a non-compliant card. Make sure you read that information carefully and bring the correct documents when you apply.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Wisconsin

You have three options for replacing a lost ID card or renewing an out-of-date ID card: online, by mail and in person.

To replace or renew the card online, go to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WI DOT) website and fill out the online application. You will need the following information to fill out the application:

• Your out-of-date ID card’s number
• Your Social Security Number (specifically its last four digits)
• Your birth date and ZIP code
• A current credit card or debit card

To replace or renew the card by mail, download the same application you filled out to apply for your initial card and send it to the following address:

WisDOT
P.O. Box 7995
Madison, WI 53707-7995

Make sure to include payment for the ID renewal fee or ID replacement fee, if applicable. Keep in mind that if you have become a senior citizen since getting your first card, you can now apply to get an ID card that will never expire.

To replace or renew the card in person, bring with you one document verifying your SSN and the expired ID card. If you cannot bring your out-of-date card, bring another document that will verify your identity.

DMV ID Costs in Wisconsin

How much does an ID cost? The WI DOT has the same DMV ID cost for applying to get an ID card and for renewing an ID card. In both cases, you pay $28. The card will last eight years before expiring. If you need to get a duplicate ID card, you pay $16.

Note: If you are a senior citizen, can get a non-expiring version for free. You can also get a card for free if you are only getting it for voting purposes.

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