DMV, Department of Health Services team up to help folks get ID cards for voting
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Wisconsin DOT's Department of Motor Vehicles and the state's Department of Health Services Vital Records Office have teamed up to put a new process in place that will help citizens get a state identification card for voting without paying government fees.
The agencies are initiating the process to assist people who don’t have the required birth certificates or other underlying documents that are required for a state ID card.
Typically, these customers would need to pay a fee to obtain the documentation.
Starting on Monday, September 15th, the DMV and the DHS will work together to provide a free verification process. The DMV already has a process in place to waive the standard ID card fee if the ID is requested for voting.
“Each DMV Service Center has steps in place to support the customer with the process and to make it as quick and easy as possible to obtain a state ID.” said Patrick Fernan, DMV Administrator.
The new verification process will be available to those customers who have never obtained a Wisconsin driver license or ID card and whose documentation is unavailable to prove their U.S. citizenship, names or dates of birth. Individuals must also be at least 18 years old on the date of the next election to be eligible to vote in Wisconsin.
“We are working to ensure that individuals seeking a Wisconsin ID are able to satisfactorily prove their identity through a seamless process. This is a great opportunity for state agencies to work together to assist our customers in obtaining an ID card,” said Oskar Anderson, DHS State Registrar.
The partnership with Vital Records enables DMV to be confident that the customer is entitled to a Wisconsin ID. The process continues to protect the integrity of the Wisconsin ID card and to protect citizens from identity theft.
Complete details on obtaining a Wisconsin ID card are available on the web at www.wisconsindmv.gov.
Governor Scott Walker issued this statement to FOX6 News:
"The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Health Services announced a new process regarding photo identification cards. Since 2011 Act 23, the DMV has been issuing free photo identification cards to those who need one to vote. Now, DMV is additionally offering to verify underlying documents, free of charge, to make sure everyone who wants an ID for the purpose of voting, is able to get one.
While most voters have identification, or the ability to get an ID, this verification system provides an option for the very small number of people who do not, without any cost to them. It’s imperative that we ensure access, and protect the integrity of the voting process, so all voters can be confident in the system.
The no-charge verification process will be fully operational on Monday, September 15. Applicants can obtain more information about the process online at wisconsindmv.gov or by calling 608-266-1069.
Senator Mary Lazich, Representative Mark Born, and Representative Michael Schraa have been instrumental with their efforts to safeguard the vote of Wisconsin citizens."