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How to Get ID & Documents in Wisconsin

Wisconsin issues state identification cards through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the Department of Transportation. Birth certificates are managed by the Vital Records section within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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Quick Answer

You can get a Wisconsin state ID card at any DMV service center for $28, and a free ID card is available for voting purposes. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) offers reentry assistance to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain identification before release. Birth certificates can be ordered from the Department of Health Services Vital Records for $20.

Wisconsin ID Agency

Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/default.aspx

Phone: (608) 264-7447

State ID Card

Cost: $28 (free voter ID available)

REAL ID: $28 (REAL ID compliant by default)

Processing: 1-2 weeks; card mailed after in-person visit

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2)
  • Two proofs of Wisconsin residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Wisconsin issues REAL ID compliant cards by default. A free ID card is available for voting purposes — you must request it specifically and sign a form stating you need it for voting. You must visit a DMV service center in person for a first-time ID. Online renewal is available for eligible renewals.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records

Cost: $20 per certified copy

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-4 weeks by mail; 1-2 weeks online; same day in person at Madison office

Order online: dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm

You can order Wisconsin birth certificates online through the DHS website, by mail, or in person at the Vital Records office in Madison. Some local register of deeds offices also issue birth certificates. You must provide a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) partners with the DMV to help individuals obtain identification prior to release. DOC staff can assist with gathering required documents during incarceration, including birth certificates and Social Security cards. Contact your DOC social worker or reentry coordinator to begin the process before your release date.

Homeless Provisions

Wisconsin does not have a formal statewide fee waiver specifically for homeless individuals. However, the free voter ID card is available to everyone. Local nonprofits and community organizations can also help cover ID costs for homeless individuals. Contact your local shelter or 211 for assistance.

Fee Waivers

Wisconsin offers a free ID card for voting purposes. You must request it at a DMV service center and sign a form stating the ID is needed for voting. Standard ID fee waivers are otherwise limited, but some nonprofit organizations may provide financial assistance.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Wisconsin: $20 per certified copy.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $28 (free voter ID available).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Wisconsin-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Wisconsin, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Wisconsin but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the WisconsinState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Wisconsin and register to vote. See our Wisconsin voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Wisconsin Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a Wisconsin state ID for the first time?
You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two documents showing your Wisconsin address (such as a utility bill and bank statement). You must apply in person at a DMV service center.
Can I get a free ID card in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin offers a free ID card for voting purposes. You must visit a DMV service center, request the free voter ID, and sign a form stating you need it for voting. This ID can also be used as general identification.
Can I get a Wisconsin state ID if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a Wisconsin state ID. You need the same documents as anyone else. If you are being released from prison, the DOC reentry program can help you gather documents before release.
How do I get a birth certificate if I was born in Wisconsin?
You can order a certified copy from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records online, by mail, or in person at the Madison office. The cost is $20 per copy. You can also obtain copies from local register of deeds offices.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or online at ssa.gov. Replacement cards are free. You will need proof of identity such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport.
How long is a Wisconsin state ID valid?
Wisconsin state ID cards are valid for 8 years from the date of issuance. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV service center.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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