Wisconsin reinstates your license through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), but the path depends on why it was suspended or revoked
If your Wisconsin driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk in and get it back. The state requires you to complete specific steps determined by the reason for the suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, too many points, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support. The DSPS Division of Motor Vehicles handles reinstatement, and they will not process your request until you have satisfied the underlying cause.
The most common reason for suspension in Wisconsin is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Other frequent causes include unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, suspension for non-payment of child support or taxes, and revocation following a DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction. Each reason has its own reinstatement requirements, and you must complete all of them before the state will restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin suspensions and revocations have different causes, and each one requires you to complete different steps before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your current license status and the reason for suspension by contacting the DSPS Division of Motor Vehicles at 608-266-2353 or visiting their website.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the DSPS, which varies depending on the type and length of suspension.
- If your suspension was for points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course to reduce points before you can reinstate.
- For DUI or OWI revocations, you will need to complete an alcohol assessment and education program, install an ignition interlock device, and meet other conditions set by the court.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Wisconsin uses a points system where traffic violations add points to your record. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license is automatically suspended. The suspension length depends on how many points you have: 12 to 18 points results in a 30-day suspension, 19 to 24 points results in a 60-day suspension, and 25 or more points results in a 6-month suspension.
To reinstate after a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period and then pay the reinstatement fee. The fee is $50 for a first suspension and increases for repeat suspensions. You can also reduce your points by completing an approved defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points from your record. Some people complete the course before the suspension period ends so they can reinstate sooner once the waiting period is over.
Contact the DSPS at 608-266-2353 to confirm your suspension end date and the exact reinstatement fee amount. They can also provide you with a list of approved defensive driving courses in your area if you want to pursue that option.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic citations or failure to appear
If you do not pay a traffic fine or fail to appear for a court date, Wisconsin will suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you resolve the underlying ticket — either by paying the fine, appearing in court, or working out a payment plan with the court.
To reinstate, contact the court that issued the citation. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment arrangement. Once you have paid in full or completed your court-ordered obligation, the court will notify the DSPS that the suspension can be lifted. You will then need to pay the reinstatement fee (typically $50) to the DSPS to restore your license.
If you are unsure which court handled your case, call the DSPS and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you which court suspended your license and provide contact information.
Suspensions for non-payment of child support or taxes
Wisconsin suspends licenses for people who fall behind on child support payments or owe back taxes to the state. These suspensions are handled differently because they involve other state agencies — the Department of Children and Family Services (for child support) or the Department of Revenue (for taxes).
To reinstate, you must work with the agency that initiated the suspension. For child support, contact the DCFS or your local child support enforcement office. For tax debt, contact the Department of Revenue. Both agencies can tell you what you owe and what payment arrangements are available. Once you have paid what is required or set up an approved payment plan, that agency will notify the DSPS to lift the suspension.
After the suspension is lifted, you will still need to pay the DSPS reinstatement fee. The DSPS will not process reinstatement until the underlying agency confirms the debt has been addressed.
Revocations for DUI or OWI convictions
A DUI or OWI conviction results in license revocation, which is permanent until you complete reinstatement requirements. This is different from a suspension — revocation is more serious and requires more steps to restore driving privileges. A first OWI conviction results in a 6-month to 3-year revocation, depending on whether you had prior convictions and other factors.
To reinstate after an OWI revocation, you must complete all of the following: pass an alcohol and drug assessment conducted by a DSPS-approved evaluator, complete an alcohol education program (usually a 12-hour course), install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a period set by the court (typically 6 to 12 months), and pay the reinstatement fee. Some people also need to complete substance abuse treatment if the assessment recommends it.
The court that convicted you will specify which of these requirements explore to your case. Contact the court clerk or your attorney to get a written list of your specific reinstatement conditions. The DSPS can also provide this information if you give them your case number.
The reinstatement fee and how to submit payment
Every reinstatement requires a fee paid to the DSPS. The standard reinstatement fee is $50 for a first suspension. If you have had multiple suspensions, the fee increases: $100 for a second suspension within 5 years, and $150 for a third or subsequent suspension within 5 years. OWI revocations have a higher fee of $200.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, online, or in person at a DSPS office. To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the DSPS Division of Motor Vehicles with a completed reinstatement request form. To pay online, visit the DSPS website and look for the reinstatement payment option. To pay in person, visit a local DMV office with your driver's license and payment method.
Once the DSPS receives your payment and confirms that all reinstatement conditions have been met, they will mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after payment is received.
Checking your license status and finding DSPS contact information
Before you begin the reinstatement process, confirm your current license status and the reason for suspension. You can do this by calling the DSPS Division of Motor Vehicles at 608-266-2353 (Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) or by visiting the DSPS website and using their license status lookup tool.
When you call, have your driver's license number ready. The DSPS staff can tell you the exact suspension or revocation reason, the date it began, when it will end (if applicable), the reinstatement fee amount, and what steps you need to complete. They can also direct you to the right agency if your suspension involves child support or taxes.
The DSPS also has regional offices throughout Wisconsin if you prefer to handle reinstatement in person. The main office is located in Madison, but you can find a local office near you on the DSPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Wisconsin does not issue work permits that allow you to drive with a suspended license. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. You must wait until reinstatement is complete to drive again.
What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Wisconsin. A first offense can result in a fine of $50 to $300 and jail time of up to 30 days. Additional offenses carry steeper penalties. If you are caught, you will face criminal charges separate from the original suspension.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit payment?
The DSPS typically processes reinstatement within 1 to 2 weeks after they receive your payment and confirm that all conditions have been met. If you are reinstating after a points suspension or unpaid citation, this is usually the only timeline. For OWI revocations, the timeline depends on how long it takes you to complete the alcohol assessment and education program.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer to reinstate your license. The process is straightforward for most suspensions — you pay the fee and meet the conditions. However, if your suspension involves a court case or you are unsure about your reinstatement requirements, speaking with an attorney can help clarify what you owe and what steps to take.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The DSPS does not offer fee waivers or reductions. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or the relevant agency. Contact the court or agency handling your case to discuss payment options. Once you have resolved the underlying debt, you will still need to pay the reinstatement fee to the DSPS.