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Acceptable documents for proof of Wisconsin residency

When applying for an original (first) Wisconsin driver license or identification card, you must provide proof of Wisconsin residency if you are 18 years of age or older.

Documents presented as proof must be original (photocopies are not acceptable). Documents listing a post office box or commercial receiving agency as the mailing address are also not acceptable. The department will decline to accept any document presented if it does not provide conclusive proof of residency. Additional verification may be requested.

The following documents are acceptable proof of Wisconsin residency when they include your name and current Wisconsin residence street address:

• Printed electronic copies are acceptable for the following items:

  • Pay check, stub or earning statement with your employer's name and address, issued within the last 90 days. Your employer's telephone number may be required for verification.

  • A utility bill for water, gas, electricity or landline telephone service issued within the last 90 days. Cable or similar bundles of services that include landline telephone service is included in this category.

  • Cell phone bills issued in the last 90 days.

  • An account statement from a bank/financial institution or brokerage house issued within the last 90 days. This includes savings, checking, money market and brokerage accounts.

• The following documents cannot be electronic copies:

  • Deed/title, mortgage, rental/lease agreement for Wisconsin property (lease must include landlord's name and phone number).

  • Current valid homeowner's, renter's or motor vehicle insurance policy dated within one year of application.

  • Government-issued correspondence or product issued from a federal, state, county or city agency (original or certified copy issued within the last year). Not acceptable are the Quest and Forward card.

  • Valid Wisconsin hunting or fishing license.

  • Department of Corrections documentation: Letters from probation/parole agents on letterhead issued within the last 90 days.

  • Certified school record or transcript identifying the person by name and current address and issued within the last 90 days (and for most recent school period).

  • College enrollment documentation or Form 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status with your current Wisconsin address.

  • A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university, college or technical college that contains the following:

  • Date of issuance.
  • Photo and address of student.
  • Expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance.

  • Employee photo identification card issued by current employer, containing your employer's name and address. Your employer's telephone number may be required for verification.

  • Homeless shelter documentation.

Documents with a photograph of a person will be accepted only when the person is readily recognizable from the photograph. The department will decline any document presented if it has reason to suspect its authenticity. Questionable documents may require additional review.

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-2353

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: January 25, 2012
BDS/QIS