Get a replacement license at your local Wisconsin DMV office with your ID and a completed form

If you've lost your Wisconsin driver's license, you'll need to visit a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Service Center in person. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. Bring a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a completed Form DL-43, which is the process for a duplicate license. The replacement fee is $28 for a standard license and $38 for a Real ID-compliant license. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wisconsin does not issue duplicate licenses when ready at the counter — the plastic card is mailed to your address on file. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for driving. Keep it with you until the plastic card comes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a WisDOT Service Center in person with valid ID and Form DL-43 to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $28 for a standard license or $38 for a Real ID license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days to the address on file with WisDOT.
  • If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.

What ID documents WisDOT will accept

WisDOT requires one valid form of identification to process your replacement. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must not be expired. If you've lost your license and your other ID is also missing or expired, you may be able to use a utility bill or lease agreement as secondary proof of identity, but call your local Service Center first to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

Bring the original document, not a copy. WisDOT staff will verify it against their records before issuing your temporary license.

Finding your nearest WisDOT Service Center

Wisconsin has Service Centers in most counties. You can find the location nearest you on the WisDOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some centers operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins during posted hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary and some locations fill up early in the day.

If you live far from a Service Center, you may be able to use a County Clerk's office in some counties — they can process certain license transactions on behalf of WisDOT. Call your county clerk to ask whether they handle duplicate licenses.

Proof of address requirements

If the address on file with WisDOT is no longer correct, bring proof of your current address. WisDOT accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. If you've recently moved and don't yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date can work.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide at the Service Center, so make sure it's correct before you leave.

What happens if you find your lost license later

If you locate your original license after you've already received a replacement, you do not need to do anything. The old license is automatically deactivated in the system once a replacement is issued, so it cannot be used even if you find it. You can destroy it or keep it for your records.

If someone else finds your lost license and tries to use it, the deactivation means it will be flagged as invalid if scanned by law enforcement or at a business checking ID. Report the loss to WisDOT if you're concerned about identity theft, though straightforward getting a replacement handles the license itself.

Real ID versus standard license replacement

When you replace your lost license, you can choose between a standard Wisconsin driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it for driving and state ID purposes.

The Real ID replacement costs $10 more ($38 instead of $28). If you choose Real ID, you'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) in addition to your ID and proof of address. The processing time is the same — 7 to 10 business days by mail.

Temporary license validity and what to do if it expires

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. If your replacement plastic card hasn't arrived within that window, contact WisDOT to request an extension or a new temporary license. This is rare — most replacements arrive within 7 to 10 days — but mail delays do happen.

If you need to drive after your temporary license expires and your replacement hasn't arrived, visit a Service Center again with your temporary license and Form DL-43 to request another temporary. You will not be charged a second fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I'm not a Wisconsin resident anymore?

No. If you've moved out of Wisconsin and established residency elsewhere, you'll need to get a license from your new state. Wisconsin can only issue a replacement to current residents. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Wisconsin resident, you can still get a replacement by visiting a Service Center when you return.

What if I don't have Form DL-43?

You can read and print Form DL-43 from the WisDOT website before you go, or the Service Center will have copies available. You can also fill it out at the counter if you arrive without one. Bring it completed if possible to speed up the process, but arriving without it won't stop you from getting your replacement.

Will my replacement license have the same number as my lost one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. WisDOT reissues the same number to keep your driving record intact. You don't need to notify insurance companies or other organizations — your license number stays the same.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

A standard Wisconsin driver's license replacement costs $28. A Real ID-compliant license costs $38. These are one-time fees for the replacement; there's no additional charge if you need a second temporary license due to mail delays.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license with just your passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You don't need your Social Security card unless you're choosing a Real ID license, in which case you'll need proof of your number — a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your SSN will work instead of the card itself.