MADISON, Wisconsin (NEWS RELEASE) - State law prohibits holding both a Wisconsin driver license and a Wisconsin ID card. "If you want an ID card and you already have an unexpired Wisconsin driver license," notes DMV Operations Manager Patrick Fernan, "you have to turn in your driver license. State law doesn't allow you to hold both."
The state legislature recently passed a law that requires people to present a photo ID when voting. Consequently, DMV customer service centers around the state are noticing an increase in the number of people coming in to request an ID card because they think they need one to vote. The Wisconsin state ID card is just one form of photo ID that can be used to vote, but many forms are acceptable. "A Wisconsin driver license is also acceptable, and that is what most people have, and, ultimately what most people will use," says Fernan. "If you have an unexpired Wisconsin driver license, you have the photo ID needed to vote."
Currently, more than 4,114,000 Wisconsinites have an unexpired driver license which is acceptable as photo identification for voting. Another 481,810 have an unexpired Wisconsin ID card, issued by the DMV. Wisconsin ID cards are also acceptable as photo identification at the polls. For people who don't have an acceptable photo ID for voting and want one, DMV can issue a photo ID free of charge if they meet the requirements. For more information visit www.wisconsindmv.gov
More information about voting in Wisconsin including other acceptable forms of photo ID to vote, is available through the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board at www.gab.wi.gov
