If you are eligible to vote but do not have a Wisconsin I.D. card, you may obtain a free I.D. for voting. You will need to check a box on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) application to indicate that you need the I.D. for voting. For more information, see
www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm.
You may need to provide a certified birth certificate or passport in order to obtain your free I.D. If you have changed your name since birth, you will need to provide proof of your legal name change.
Dane County Fees Waived
If you were born in Dane County and need to obtain your certified birth certificate to apply for a Wisconsin I.D. in order to vote, the Dane County Register of Deeds will waive the fee for your birth certificate. You will need to show the Register of Deeds two (2) documents with your name and address, or you will need to bring along a family member who has photo I.D. and will corroborate for you.
Unavailable Documentation
Rather than pay a fee for the documentation required for a free Wisconsin I.D., you may petition the DMV to verify your identity with a state or federal agency. For details, see
www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/petition-process.htm. File the petition as soon as possible. The DMV will try to complete verification within seven business days, but the process may take longer.
When to Visit the DMV
For the shortest lines, visit the DMV mid-morning or mid-afternoon and try to avoid Mondays, Fridays, and the beginning and end of each month. I.D. customers are given priority service at the DMV. Although wait times vary by location and day, the DMV reports that 70% of customers wait in line less than 20 minutes. Everyone who is in the office at closing time will be served.
DMV locations and hours
Madison East DMV Service Center
2001 Bartillon Drive
Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays
Madison Metro bus route 6 via MATC
www.mymetrobus.com
Madison West DMV Service Center
4802 Sheboygan Avenue
Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday
Madison Metro bus routes 2, 14, and 15
www.mymetrobus.com