What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Wisconsin driver's license, you must contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the specific requirements that caused your suspension in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, drug-related convictions, or accumulating too many points. WisDOT will not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends; you must take action to request reinstatement.
The fastest way to start is to call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 or visit their website at dmv.wi.gov. Have your driver's license number ready. A staff member can tell you exactly why your license is suspended, what you owe, and what steps you need to take next. This one call will save you from guessing or making a trip that doesn't resolve anything.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact WisDOT directly to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay fines, fees, or back child support before reinstatement is possible.
- Some suspensions — such as those for drug convictions or refusing a breath test — have mandatory waiting periods you cannot shorten by paying.
- After you meet all requirements, you must submit a reinstatement request and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
- You cannot legally drive until WisDOT confirms your license is reinstated; driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
Find out why your license is suspended
Wisconsin suspends licenses for several different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get it back. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, accumulating 12 or more points within a year, failure to pay child support, drug-related convictions, and refusing or failing a breath test.
Call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the suspension code — a number that corresponds to the specific reason — and what that code means. Write this down. Ask them directly: "What do I need to do to reinstate my license?" and "How much do I owe?" They can also tell you whether your suspension is still active or has already expired.
If you cannot reach WisDOT by phone, you can visit a Wisconsin DMV service center in person. Locations are listed on dmv.wi.gov. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Service centers can print out your driving record, which shows the suspension reason and any fines or fees owed.
Pay fines, fees, and back support if required
Most suspensions in Wisconsin are tied to money you owe — unpaid traffic tickets, court costs, or child support arrears. You cannot reinstate your license until these debts are paid. WisDOT will tell you the exact amount and who to pay it to.
If you owe traffic fines or court costs, you typically pay the court that issued the ticket, not WisDOT. WisDOT can provide the court's contact information. If you owe child support, you pay the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or the county child support agency. Again, WisDOT can direct you to the right office.
Keep proof of payment — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement showing the transaction. It can take several days for payment to appear in the court or state system, so do not expect when ready reinstatement. Once payment clears, contact WisDOT again to confirm the debt is satisfied before you proceed with the reinstatement request.
Understand mandatory waiting periods for certain suspensions
Some suspensions cannot be shortened by paying money. If your license was suspended for a drug-related conviction, refusing a breath test, or failing a breath test with a high blood alcohol level, Wisconsin law requires you to wait a minimum period before reinstatement is even possible. These waiting periods range from 6 months to several years depending on the offense and whether it is a first, second, or subsequent violation.
WisDOT will tell you the exact waiting period when you call. If you are still within that period, you cannot reinstate your license yet, no matter what you pay. Mark the date when you become may be able to access on a calendar and call WisDOT again on or after that date to ask what the next step is.
Some drug-related suspensions also require you to complete a substance abuse assessment or treatment program before reinstatement. WisDOT will specify this requirement when you call. You will need to provide proof of completion — usually a letter from the treatment provider — when you submit your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request and pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have met all the requirements — paid all fines, waited out any mandatory period, and completed any required programs — you are ready to request reinstatement. You can do this by mail, in person at a DMV service center, or online through dmv.wi.gov if your suspension type allows it.
By mail, send a letter to Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 7919, Madison, WI 53707. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Attach copies of proof that you have met all requirements — receipts for paid fines, proof of treatment completion, or documentation of child support payment. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. The fee varies by suspension type, typically ranging from $50 to $100; WisDOT will tell you the exact amount when you call.
In person, bring your driver's license or state ID, proof of payment for any fines or fees, and the reinstatement fee. A DMV service center can process your request on the spot and issue a temporary license if everything is in order. This is the fastest option if you need to drive when ready.
Online reinstatement is available for some suspension types through dmv.wi.gov. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. Check the website or call WisDOT to confirm whether your suspension type can be reinstated online.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request, WisDOT processes it and mails you a new license or a reinstatement notice. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license is reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Wisconsin and can result in fines up to $500, jail time, or both.
If you submitted your request by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DMV service center. Bring your reinstatement confirmation letter and a form of ID. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.
If your reinstatement request is denied, WisDOT will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete payment, failure to meet a requirement, or a calculation error. Contact WisDOT when ready to clarify what is still needed and resubmit your request with the missing information.
Avoid another suspension after reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, take steps to prevent another suspension. If your suspension was for accumulating points, drive carefully and follow traffic laws — each violation adds points to your record. If it was for unpaid fines, pay any future tickets promptly. If it was for child support, keep your payments current. If it was for a substance-related offense, avoid driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Wisconsin also offers a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) course that can remove points from your record if you have accumulated too many. You can take this course once every 12 months. Completing it may lower your insurance rates as well. Information about approved courses is available on dmv.wi.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. You cannot legally drive until WisDOT sends you written confirmation that your license is reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, request a temporary license at a DMV service center once your reinstatement is approved.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines or fees right now?
Contact the court or agency that is owed the money and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, contact WisDOT to explain the situation — some suspensions may be lifted temporarily while you are making payments, though this varies by case.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you submit your request in person at a DMV service center and all requirements are met, you can receive a temporary license the same day. A permanent license mailed to you typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Mail-in requests take longer because of processing time.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test. You only need to meet the specific requirements tied to your suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to renew it separately, which could involve a test.
What if my suspension was for unpaid child support and I still cannot pay the full amount?
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or your county child support agency to discuss your situation. They may be able to modify your support obligation or set up a payment plan. Once you have an agreement, provide documentation to WisDOT showing you are in compliance with the plan.