Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a strict voter ID state.

You are required to show an acceptable photo ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Any registered Wisconsin voter can vote absentee.

A copy of acceptable photo ID must accompany your first absentee ballot request.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

You must file a formal request with the circuit court to change your name in Wisconsin.

You will be required to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper for a specific period of time. This requirement can be waived for your safety.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

If you were born in Wisconsin and file to change your name in a Wisconsin court, you may request to change the name on your birth certificate as part of your name change court petition.

You may also submit a request to Wisconsin’s Office of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Wisconsin birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• certified copy of your name-change court order
• Birth Certificate Application including proof of identification (PDF)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

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RESOURCES

Trans Law Help Wisconsin – Name & Gender Marker Change Guide (PDF)

Wisconsin Law Library  – Name & Gender Marker Change

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before you can change your name on a Wisconsin-issued ID.

Visit a DMV customer service center to change the name on your Wisconsin driver’s license or ID.

You will need to provide acceptable proof of identity and a document demonstrating your name change.

Wisconsin’s Office of Vital Records will update the gender marker on your birth certificate if you submit a certified court order directing them to amend it

You will need to submit proof you have undergone gender affirmation surgery. What you are required to provide as proof is not explicitly defined by law.

• You may need to submit a notarized letter from your physician/surgeon.

To update your Wisconsin certificate, you will need to provide:

• certified copy of court order to amend birth certificate* (confirming name change and gender transition)
• proof of gender affirmation surgery
• Birth Certificate Application including proof of identification (PDF)
• payment of applicable fees

* Upon request: Wisconsin’s Office of Vital Records has a form to request a court order and updated birth certificate.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

•••

RESOURCES

Trans Law Help Wisconsin – Name & Gender Marker Change Guide (PDF)

Wisconsin Law Library  – Name & Gender Marker Change

There is no formal DMV policy specifying requirement to update the gender marker on your Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID.

Visit a DMV customer service center and provide one of the following:

• affidavit from a licensed physician certifying gender transition
• certified copy of court order confirming gender transition
• birth certificate with updated gender marker
• US Passport with updated gender marker

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RESOURCES

Trans Law Help Wisconsin – Name & Gender Marker Change Guide (PDF)

Wisconsin Law Library  – Name & Gender Marker Change