Wisconsin requires you to complete specific steps with the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) before your license can be reinstated after an OWI suspension

An OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction in Wisconsin triggers an automatic license suspension. The length of that suspension depends on whether it is your first offense, whether you refused a breath test, and whether anyone was injured. Reinstatement is not automatic when the suspension period ends — you must take action with DSPS, the state agency that manages driver licensing.

The reinstatement process involves submitting specific documents, paying a reinstatement fee, and in most cases completing a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment or education programs. This guide explains what DSPS requires, in what order, and what to expect at each step.

Key Takeaways

  • Wisconsin suspends your license automatically after an OWI conviction; reinstatement requires you to contact DSPS and submit documents, not straightforward wait out the suspension period.
  • You must complete a substance abuse assessment through a DSPS-approved provider before DSPS will consider your reinstatement request.
  • The reinstatement fee is $200, and you must also pay any fines ordered by the court and any costs from your substance abuse assessment.
  • After DSPS approves your reinstatement, you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period, depending on your offense history.
  • The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your complete reinstatement packet.

How long your license stays suspended

Wisconsin law sets suspension lengths based on your OWI history and the circumstances of your arrest. A first OWI offense with a breath test result carries a six-month suspension. If you refused the breath test, the suspension is one year. Second and subsequent offenses carry longer suspensions — typically one year for a second offense and three years for a third or later offense.

The suspension clock starts on the date of your arrest, not the date of conviction. You can check the exact suspension end date by contacting DSPS at 608-266-2353 or by visiting the DSPS website and using their driver record lookup tool. Knowing this date matters because you cannot begin the reinstatement process until the suspension period has actually ended.

The substance abuse assessment requirement

Before DSPS will reinstate your license, you must complete a substance abuse assessment through a provider on the DSPS-approved list. This assessment is not a treatment program — it is an evaluation conducted by a licensed counselor or psychologist that determines what level of treatment, if any, you need. DSPS publishes the list of approved providers on its website under "OWI Assessments."

You contact the provider directly, schedule an appointment, and pay their fee (which varies but typically ranges from $150 to $400). The assessment usually takes one to two hours. After the assessment, the provider sends the results directly to DSPS. If the assessment recommends treatment, you must complete that treatment before DSPS will process your reinstatement. If no treatment is recommended, you can move forward with reinstatement once you have gathered your other required documents.

Documents and fees needed for reinstatement

DSPS requires you to submit a reinstatement packet that includes your completed OWI Reinstatement process (Form DL-44), proof that your suspension period has ended, the substance abuse assessment report, proof of any court-ordered treatment completion, and the $200 reinstatement fee. You must also provide proof that all court-ordered fines and costs have been paid.

You can submit your packet by mail to DSPS, Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707-7949, or in person at a DSPS office. Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID with your packet. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as DSPS will not return them. If you are missing any required document, DSPS will return your packet and the process will restart once you resubmit with everything included.

Ignition interlock device requirements

After DSPS approves your reinstatement, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. An IID is a breath-testing device connected to your vehicle's ignition that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Wisconsin requires an IID for all OWI convictions, though the length of time you must use it varies.

For a first OWI offense, you typically must use an IID for six months. For a second offense within ten years, the requirement is usually one year. For a third or subsequent offense, it can be three years or longer. You must have the IID installed by a DSPS-certified vendor before you can legally drive. DSPS provides a list of certified vendors. The installation fee and monthly monitoring fee (typically $60 to $100 per month) are your responsibility.

What happens after DSPS approves your reinstatement

Once DSPS approves your reinstatement packet, you will receive written notice. At that point, your license is reinstated, but you cannot legally drive until you have completed any IID requirement. If an IID is required, you must have it installed and provide DSPS with proof of installation before you can use your vehicle.

Your reinstated license will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at a DSPS office. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from DSPS. Keep in mind that any violation of the terms of your reinstatement — such as driving without an IID when one is required, or driving with any alcohol in your system — can result in when ready re-suspension and additional penalties.

Common reasons reinstatement requests are denied or delayed

DSPS denies reinstatement requests most often because the applicant has not completed the substance abuse assessment, has not completed court-ordered treatment, or has not paid all court fines and costs. Some applicants submit incomplete packets missing documents like proof of the suspension end date or proof of fine payment, which causes DSPS to return the packet and delay the process.

If your reinstatement request is denied, DSPS will send you a written explanation of what is missing or what you need to complete. You can then address those issues and resubmit. If you disagree with DSPS's decision, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Contact DSPS for information about the hearing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during my suspension if I get a work permit?

Wisconsin does not issue work permits or occupational licenses that allow you to drive during an OWI suspension. You cannot legally drive for any reason — work, medical appointments, or personal errands — until your suspension ends and DSPS reinstates your license. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offense.

Do I have to use the same substance abuse assessment provider DSPS recommends?

No. You can choose any provider on the DSPS-approved list. DSPS does not recommend specific providers — you select one based on location, availability, and cost. The provider must be on the official DSPS list, which you can find on their website.

What if I complete treatment but DSPS still hasn't reinstated my license after eight weeks?

Contact DSPS directly at 608-266-2353 to check the status of your reinstatement packet. Processing times vary, but eight weeks is at the outer edge of normal. DSPS staff can tell you whether your packet is still being reviewed or whether additional documents are needed.

If I move out of state, do I need to reinstate my Wisconsin license?

No. If you move to another state, you can obtain a license from that state without reinstating your Wisconsin license. However, Wisconsin's OWI record will follow you, and some states impose additional penalties or restrictions based on out-of-state OWI convictions. Check with your new state's licensing agency about how they handle prior OWI convictions.

Can I reinstate my license before the suspension period officially ends?

No. DSPS will not process a reinstatement request until the suspension period has actually ended. You can prepare your documents and complete your substance abuse assessment before that date, but you cannot submit your reinstatement packet to DSPS until the suspension end date has passed.