Wisconsin driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Your Wisconsin driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) sends a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process as soon as you know your expiration date.
The fastest route is online through the WisDOT website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address must match what WisDOT has. If you do not meet those conditions, you can renew by mail or in person.
The cost is $85 for an eight-year renewal, or $30 for a four-year renewal if you prefer a shorter term. You pay when you submit your process, whether online, by mail, or at the office.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin driver's licenses expire every eight years on your birthday, and WisDOT mails a renewal notice about 60 days before that date.
- Online renewal through the WisDOT website is the fastest option if your license expired less than five years ago and your address is current.
- If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process to WisDOT or visit a DMV office in person with your current license and proof of address.
- Renewal by mail takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Renewing online through WisDOT
Go to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose whether you want an eight-year or four-year renewal.
Online renewal works only if your license has not been expired for more than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person or by mail. The same applies if your address has changed since your last renewal and you have not updated it with WisDOT yet.
After you submit your process online, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process from WisDOT by phone at 608-266-2353, or read the form from the WisDOT website. Fill out the process completely and include a copy of a document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
Mail your completed process, proof of address, and a check or money order for $85 (or $30 for a four-year renewal) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current driver's license if you want WisDOT to destroy it; otherwise, it will be returned to you.
Processing by mail takes about two weeks from the date WisDOT receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process. You can drive on your current license during this time.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Wisconsin DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Acceptable address documents are the same as for mail renewal: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has not changed, you may not need to bring a separate proof document — ask the staff when you arrive.
You will fill out an process at the office and pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card. You will have your photo taken for the new license. Most offices complete the renewal the same day and issue a temporary license that is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, usually within 10 business days.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the WisDOT website.
What happens if your license has expired
You can still renew a license that has expired, but the process changes depending on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process described above.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person, and you will need to bring or mail proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. You will also need proof of your current address, as with any renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Wisconsin, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal notice or a receipt from your online process, but that does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person or by mail. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring or mail a certified copy of the document that shows the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal name change.
If your address has changed, you can update it during any renewal method. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm your address and give you the option to change it. For mail or in-person renewal, write your new address on the process form.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your Wisconsin driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are traveling internationally and need a passport, or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years, if you choose) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
Renewing early does not cost extra — the fee is the same whether you renew one year early or one day before expiration. If you renew early, your old license becomes invalid once the new one arrives, so do not carry both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Wisconsin license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the online requirements. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Wisconsin DMV office when you are in the state, or you can renew by mail by downloading the process from the WisDOT website and mailing it with proof of your current address.
What if my address on file with WisDOT is wrong?
If you renew online, the system will show you the address WisDOT has and let you correct it before you submit. If you renew by mail or in person, write your correct address on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you can visit a DMV office to have a new photo taken for a $10 fee.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must request a replacement license, which is a different process. Contact WisDOT or visit a DMV office to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity and address.
How long is my temporary license valid?
If you renew in person, WisDOT issues a temporary license that is valid for 30 days or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first. Your permanent license usually arrives within 10 business days. The temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license.