Reinstatement fees and what they cover

Wisconsin does not charge a separate reinstatement fee for a bartender's license. Instead, you pay the standard license renewal fee, which is $60 for a two-year license. This fee applies whether you are renewing an active license or bringing one back after it has lapsed.

The $60 covers the license itself and the processing of your paperwork through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). You do not pay extra because the license expired or because you need to reinstate rather than renew.

If your license lapsed more than two years ago, you may also need to complete a bartender training course before you can reinstate. The cost of that course varies by provider — typically between $30 and $100 — but it is separate from the license fee and depends on how long your license has been inactive.

Key Takeaways

  • The reinstatement fee in Wisconsin is $60 for a two-year bartender's license, the same as a standard renewal.
  • If your license lapsed more than two years ago, you must complete a bartender training course before reinstatement, which costs $30 to $100 depending on the provider.
  • You submit your reinstatement request and fee to the Wisconsin DSPS, not to Kenosha or your employer.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks once DSPS receives your complete paperwork.

When you need bartender training before reinstatement

Wisconsin requires bartender training if your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license lapsed within the past two years, you can reinstate by paying the $60 fee and submitting your paperwork — no course required.

The training course covers responsible beverage service, Wisconsin alcohol laws, and how to check identification. You can take it online or in person through providers approved by DSPS. Common providers include the Wisconsin Tavern League and various community colleges, though you should confirm the provider is on the state's approved list before paying.

Once you complete the course, you receive a certificate. You then submit that certificate along with your reinstatement fee to DSPS. The certificate itself does not cost extra — you pay only the course fee and the $60 license fee.

How to submit your reinstatement request

You submit your reinstatement request directly to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, not to the City of Kenosha or your employer. DSPS handles all bartender license matters for the entire state.

You can submit your request by mail or online through the DSPS website. The online portal is faster — you upload your documents, pay the $60 fee by credit card, and receive confirmation when ready. By mail, you send a completed process form, your $60 payment, and any required documents (such as a training certificate if your license lapsed more than two years ago) to the DSPS office in Madison.

You will need your license number or your full name and date of birth so DSPS can locate your record. If you have lost your license number, DSPS can look it up for you during the process.

Documents and information to have ready

Before you contact DSPS, gather your license number if you still have it, or your full legal name and date of birth. You will also need a current form of identification and your Social Security number.

If your license lapsed more than two years ago, have your training certificate ready. If you have not yet taken the course, you can take it before or after you submit your reinstatement request — DSPS will tell you which order works best for your situation.

If you are reinstating because your license was suspended or revoked (rather than straightforward expired), you may need additional documents. Contact DSPS directly to find out what applies to your case, since suspension and revocation have different rules and fees.

Timeline for reinstatement

Once DSPS receives your complete process, $60 fee, and any required training certificate, processing usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive your new license by mail or can read it from your DSPS account if you submitted online.

If you submitted by mail and DSPS finds that your process is incomplete, they will contact you and ask for the missing information. This can add another week or two to the timeline, so double-check that you have included everything before you mail your packet.

You can work as a bartender once your license is active in the DSPS system, even if you have not yet received the physical card in the mail. If you submitted online, you can usually print a temporary proof of reinstatement when ready.

Contacting the Wisconsin DSPS

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services handles all bartender license questions. You can reach them by phone at (608) 266-2112, or visit their website to submit your reinstatement request online.

When you call, have your license number or full name and date of birth ready. DSPS staff can tell you whether your license is may be able to access for straightforward reinstatement or whether you need to take a training course first. They can also answer questions about your specific situation if your license was suspended or revoked rather than straightforward expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the bartender training course if my license expired less than two years ago?

No. If your license lapsed within the past two years, you can reinstate by paying the $60 fee and submitting your paperwork to DSPS. The training course is required only if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Can I work while my reinstatement is being processed?

Once your reinstatement is approved and active in the DSPS system, you can work. If you submitted online, you can print proof of reinstatement right away. If you submitted by mail, contact DSPS to confirm your status before your first shift.

What if my license was suspended or revoked instead of just expired?

Suspension and revocation have different rules and may involve additional fees or requirements. Contact DSPS directly to find out what you need to do, since reinstatement after suspension or revocation is not the same as renewing an expired license.

Can I reinstate my license online?

Yes. The DSPS website has an online portal where you can submit your reinstatement request, upload documents, and pay the $60 fee by credit card. Online submission is usually faster than mailing your paperwork.

What if I lost my license number?

DSPS can look up your license number using your full legal name and date of birth. You do not need the number to start the reinstatement process — just provide your identifying information when you contact them or submit your online request.