WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles is extending hours next week for those in need of a new photo ID for the Aug. 9 primary election.


What You Need To Know

  • Wisconsin DMV is extending hours until 6 p.m. at service centers open on Aug. 8 and 9

  • A Wisconsin driver's license is an acceptable form of photo ID for the Aug. 9 primary

  • Those needing a new photo ID for the primary can get one for free from the DMV

  • A birth certificate, and proof of identity and Wisconsin residency are all required documents to obtain a Wisconsin ID

Hours will be extended until 6 p.m. at service centers that are open on Monday, Aug. 8 and Tuesday, Aug. 9. In a press release, the DOT said the extended hours will allow more time for people to visit a DMV near them and get a new ID if they need it.

Those living in the state of Wisconsin should already have an acceptable photo ID for voting, which includes a Wisconsin driver’s license. You can find the list of acceptable voter IDs here.

However, those new to the state may need a state-issued ID.

Here’s how you can obtain a free one prior to voting:

Any voter that needs to get their first Wisconsin ID can get a free one from the DMV. First, you’ll need to visit the DMV website.

After that, you will need to go to the nearest DMV with documents required to get an official Wisconsin ID card; These include a birth certificate, and proof of identity and Wisconsin residency.

But if you don’t have all of this documentation available, you may have another option. Voters can go through the ID Petition Process (IDPP), which gives you a receipt that’s valid for voting until the remaining documents are obtained. This receipt can be shown at the polls on election day.

You can find out more about that here.

The DOT also added that those who don’t have an ID to vote in the fall primary election on Nov. 8 should start that process now.