What you need to do to get your license back after an OWI suspension
Wisconsin suspends your driver's license automatically when you are convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI). The suspension length depends on whether it is your first offense and whether anyone was injured. To reinstate your license, you must complete a mandatory alcohol treatment program, pay a reinstatement fee to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and meet any other conditions the court imposed. The process typically takes several weeks after you have completed all requirements.
The state does not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends — you have to request reinstatement yourself. If you do not complete the required steps, your suspension remains in effect even after the calendar time has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin requires you to complete an alcohol treatment program before you can reinstate your license, even for a first OWI offense.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee to WisDOT and provide proof that you finished the treatment program.
- The court may impose additional conditions such as an ignition interlock device, which you must install before reinstatement.
- You can request reinstatement through WisDOT's website, by mail, or in person at a local driver services center.
- Processing takes about two to four weeks after WisDOT receives your complete reinstatement request.
How long your license stays suspended
The suspension length for a first OWI conviction in Wisconsin is six months if no one was injured and you had no prior OWI convictions in the past ten years. If you caused an accident that injured someone, or if you have a prior OWI on your record, the suspension is longer — typically one year or more. The court order from your conviction will state the exact suspension period.
Your suspension begins on the date the court enters the conviction, not the date of your arrest. If you were arrested but the case took months to resolve, the suspension clock starts when the judge signs the conviction order. You can ask the court clerk for the exact start date if you are unsure.
The mandatory alcohol treatment program
Wisconsin law requires everyone convicted of OWI to complete an alcohol and other drug abuse assessment and any treatment recommended by that assessment. This is not optional — you cannot reinstate your license without proof of completion. The assessment itself usually takes one to three hours and costs between $200 and $500, depending on the provider.
After the assessment, the provider will recommend the level of treatment you need. This might be outpatient counseling (weekly sessions for several weeks), an intensive outpatient program (multiple sessions per week), or inpatient treatment (staying at a facility). The court may also specify a minimum level of treatment in your conviction order. You must complete whichever is longer — the court's requirement or what the assessment recommends.
To find an approved provider, contact your county's probation and parole office or search the Wisconsin Department of Health Services list of certified programs. Some providers offer evening or weekend sessions if you work during the day. Once you finish, the provider will send you a completion certificate — keep this document, as you will need to submit it with your reinstatement request.
The ignition interlock device requirement
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15 or higher at the time of arrest, or if you refused a breath test, Wisconsin requires you to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. This device measures your breath alcohol before the engine will start. You must have it installed before you can reinstate your license, and you must keep it installed for the length of time the court ordered — usually six months to one year.
You pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring fees yourself, which typically run $60 to $100 per month. The court order will specify which company you must use, or will allow you to choose from approved vendors. Contact the vendor to schedule installation before you submit your reinstatement request, because WisDOT will verify that the device is in place.
If your BAC was below 0.15 and you did not refuse the test, the ignition interlock is not required for a first offense, though the court has the option to order it anyway. Check your court documents to see whether it applies to you.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You can reinstate your license through three methods: online at the WisDOT website, by mail, or in person at a Wisconsin driver services center. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and receive confirmation within minutes, though processing still takes two to four weeks.
To reinstate online, go to the WisDOT website and select "Reinstate License." You will need your driver's license number, the date your suspension began, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee. You will also upload a copy of your alcohol treatment completion certificate. If an ignition interlock was required, you will need to confirm that it is installed.
If you prefer to mail your request, send the completed reinstatement form (available on the WisDOT website), a copy of your treatment completion certificate, the reinstatement fee, and a copy of your court order to the address listed on the form. Include a return address and allow three to four weeks for processing.
To reinstate in person, bring your driver's license, your treatment completion certificate, proof of ignition interlock installation (if required), and payment to any Wisconsin driver services center. You can find the nearest center on the WisDOT website. In-person reinstatement is processed the same day in most cases.
The reinstatement fee and other costs
The reinstatement fee for an OWI suspension in Wisconsin is $200. This is separate from any fines the court ordered you to pay as part of your sentence. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you are paying by mail, make the check payable to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Beyond the reinstatement fee, you will also pay for the alcohol assessment ($200 to $500), any treatment program costs (which vary widely depending on the type and length of treatment), and ignition interlock installation and monitoring if required (typically $60 to $100 per month). Some treatment providers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, so ask about this when you contact them.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After WisDOT receives your complete reinstatement request, they verify that you have completed the treatment program and that any ignition interlock device is installed. This verification takes two to four weeks. If everything is in order, WisDOT will mail you a new license or send you a notice that your license has been reinstated.
If your request is incomplete — for example, if your treatment completion certificate has not arrived yet or if the ignition interlock vendor has not confirmed installation — WisDOT will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You then have a set time to provide the missing information. If you do not respond, your reinstatement request is denied and you must start over.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive normally, but you must follow any conditions the court imposed. If you were ordered to have an ignition interlock device, you must keep it installed for the full period. If you were ordered to attend a victim impact panel or complete community service, you must finish those requirements as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during my suspension if I have a work permit?
Wisconsin does not issue work permits for OWI suspensions. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, even to get to your job or medical appointments. Your only option is to use public transportation, ride-sharing, or ask someone else to drive you.
What if I did not complete the treatment program before my suspension period ended?
Your license remains suspended until you complete the program and submit your reinstatement request. The suspension does not automatically lift when the calendar time runs out. You must finish treatment first, then request reinstatement.
Do I have to use the ignition interlock company the court named?
If the court specified a particular company, you must use that one. If the court gave you a list of approved vendors, you can choose any company on that list. Contact the vendor to schedule installation as soon as possible, because you need proof of installation before WisDOT will process your reinstatement.
What if I move out of state before my suspension ends?
Wisconsin suspensions follow you to other states. You cannot reinstate your license in Wisconsin while suspended, and most other states will not issue you a license while a suspension is active in another state. You must complete the reinstatement process in Wisconsin first.
How long does the entire process take from conviction to driving again?
The timeline depends on how quickly you complete treatment. If you start the assessment when ready after conviction and finish treatment within a few weeks, you could be driving again in two to three months. If treatment takes longer or if you delay starting, the process can stretch to six months or more. The court's suspension period is the minimum — you cannot drive before that time ends, regardless of how fast you complete treatment.