Wisconsin lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Wisconsin driver's license online through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website if your current license is still valid and you have not had any major changes to your information since it was issued. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28 for a four-year renewal, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you have had a name change since your last license was issued, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you are under 21 or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through WisDOT works only if your current license is still valid and your personal information has not changed since it was issued.
- The fee is $28 for a four-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- You will need your current Wisconsin driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If your license has expired, your address has changed, or your name is different, you must renew in person at a WisDOT Service Center instead.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current Wisconsin driver's license in front of you. You will need to enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. WisDOT does not ask for your full Social Security number online.
You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the $28 renewal fee. WisDOT accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen.
The step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the WisDOT online renewal portal at wisconsindmv.gov and select the option to renew your driver's license. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. WisDOT uses this information to pull up your current record and confirm you are may be able to access to renew online.
Review the information on your record — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If you notice an error, you will need to stop and renew in person at a WisDOT Service Center instead, because the online system cannot make corrections to your record.
Answer the questions about whether your information has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions that should be noted on your license. Then enter your payment information and submit. You will see a confirmation number on screen; save or print this for your records.
When your new license will arrive and what to do while you wait
WisDOT mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time — there is no gap in your driving authority. If you need to show proof of renewal before the physical card arrives, your confirmation number from the online transaction serves as proof.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact WisDOT at 608-266-2353 to report it. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Situations that require in-person renewal instead
If your current license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must go to a WisDOT Service Center in person. The same applies if you have moved and need to update your address, or if your legal name has changed since your last license was issued.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person regardless of whether your information has changed. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that status before you can renew, and you must do so in person. Drivers under 21 also cannot renew online and must visit a Service Center.
How to find a WisDOT Service Center if you need to renew in person
WisDOT operates Service Centers in most Wisconsin counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the WisDOT website at wisconsindmv.gov. Many Service Centers now use an online appointment system; you can book a time slot in advance rather than walk in and wait.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you are renewing because of a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at a WisDOT Service Center. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a WisDOT Service Center in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Service Center.
What if I forget my confirmation number after I renew online?
You can log back into the WisDOT online renewal portal with your license number and Social Security number to retrieve your confirmation number. If you have questions about your renewal, call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 and have your license number ready.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
If your medical condition is already noted on your current license and has not changed, you can renew online. If you have a new medical condition or need to add restrictions to your license, you must renew in person so WisDOT can update your record.