Since April 1, 2007, the state of Wisconsin requires any person seeking to apply for a driver license or identification card – or to renew these documents – to have a social security number.

When applying, a person must also provide proof of his/her name, date of birth, identity and residency in Wisconsin.

Some of the documents used (but not limited to these documents) to prove name and date of birth are:

• Certified copy of birth certificate.
• Passport
• Driver license or Wisconsin identification card or from a different state, which must be up to date or with four years or less of expiration with the applicant’s picture and signature.
• Mexican voter card, with the applicant’s picture and signature.

Some of the documents used (but not limited to these documents) to prove residency are:

• Pay check or stub with your name/Wisconsin address, and your employer’s name/address. Your employer’s telephone number may be required for verification.
• A utility bill for water, gas, electricity or house phone (not cell phone). An account statement at least 30 days old from a Wisconsin financial institution (account statement must show activity)
• An individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) along with the letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) listing your Wisconsin address

DISCRIMINATION – REPORT IT

Voces de la Frontera is documenting racial and national origin discrimination cases by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If your documents are rejected as not valid when they are, please find out the name of the person and come to our office at 1027 S 5th St. Milwaukee to report it.

Even though the cases brought to our attention have ultimately been resolved by the DMV, these incidents demonstrate the inherent discrimination in the law.

If you are a US citizen or resident and experience this problem, it is extremely important for that you let us know.