What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Wisconsin driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. Wisconsin suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, drug convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to show up in court. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Start by checking your suspension status with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). You can call their Driver Services Bureau at 608-266-2353 or visit their website to look up your record. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. This call tells you the exact reason for suspension and what you must complete before you can drive again.
Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, resolve the child support debt, complete a drug education program, or appear in court — before WisDOT will lift the suspension. straightforward paying a reinstatement fee does not restore your license if the original problem remains unsolved.
Key Takeaways
- Call WisDOT's Driver Services Bureau at 608-266-2353 to find out why your license was suspended, because the reason determines what you must do to fix it.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, settle child support, complete a drug program, or appear in court — before your license can be reinstated.
- After resolving the issue, you pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension reason) and submit proof to WisDOT.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after WisDOT receives your completed paperwork and fee.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the citation or court notice will show which court handled your case. Once the court confirms payment, they report it to WisDOT. You then pay WisDOT's reinstatement fee (currently $50 for a suspension due to unpaid fines) and submit proof of payment.
Unpaid child support: Contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or the county child support agency handling your case. You must bring your account current or set up a payment plan that the agency approves. DCFS will notify WisDOT once you are in compliance. The reinstatement fee for child support suspension is $100.
Drug conviction: You must complete an approved substance abuse assessment and any treatment or education program it recommends. The provider sends proof of completion to WisDOT. The reinstatement fee is $100, and you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device depending on the conviction.
Too many points on your record: Points accumulate from traffic violations. If you reach 12 points within a rolling 12-month period, your license is suspended. You cannot remove points, but you can wait for older violations to age off your record (they drop after 12 months). Once your point total falls below 12, you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is $50.
Failure to appear in court: Contact the court that issued the warrant or notice. Resolve the underlying case — this may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or working out a resolution with the prosecutor. Once the court closes the case, they notify WisDOT. The reinstatement fee is $50.
How to submit your reinstatement request
After you have resolved the reason for suspension, gather your proof. This might be a receipt showing payment, a letter from DCFS confirming child support compliance, a certificate of completion from a substance abuse program, or a court document showing the case is resolved. Different reasons require different documents — WisDOT will tell you exactly what to send when you call.
Mail your proof and reinstatement fee to WisDOT's Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 7995, Madison, WI 53707. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Keep a copy of everything you send.
You can also submit your request in person at a WisDOT Service Center. Locations are listed on the WisDOT website. Bring the same documents and fee. Processing in person may be faster than mail, though you still cannot drive until WisDOT officially reinstates your license.
Reinstatement fees and processing time
Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension reason. Pay by check or money order made out to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Some Service Centers accept cash or card, but mail-in requests require check or money order.
After WisDOT receives your completed paperwork and fee, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a letter confirming reinstatement. Your license becomes valid on the date shown in that letter. Do not drive before you receive official confirmation — driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the Driver Services Bureau to confirm they received your request. Mail can be delayed, and it helps to follow up.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Wisconsin is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.
Beyond the criminal charge, driving while suspended adds points to your record and can extend your suspension. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to request a occupational license — a limited permit that allows you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments. Call the Driver Services Bureau to ask whether you may have access to and how to request one.
If your suspension was due to a medical condition
Wisconsin also suspends licenses when a driver reports a medical condition that affects safe driving, or when a doctor or law enforcement reports one. If this is your situation, you must have a medical evaluation completed by a doctor and submit it to WisDOT. The form is called the "Medical Evaluation Report" and is available on the WisDOT website.
Your doctor will assess whether you can safely drive and note any restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hand controls). Once WisDOT receives the completed form, they review it and decide whether to reinstate your license. This process can take longer than other suspensions because WisDOT may request additional information from your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an occupational license while my license is suspended?
You may be able to, depending on the reason for suspension and your circumstances. An occupational license lets you drive for work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. Call the Driver Services Bureau at 608-266-2353 to ask whether you may have access to and what documents you need to submit.
What if I moved out of Wisconsin after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Wisconsin license by mail. Send your proof and fee to the address listed above. If you now live in another state and want to transfer your license, you will need to reinstate it first, then contact your new state's DMV about transferring.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay in person at a Service Center?
Paying in person does not speed up the official reinstatement process — WisDOT still needs one to two weeks to process your paperwork and update their system. However, you avoid mail delays and get a receipt showing you submitted everything correctly.
Can I reinstate my license online?
WisDOT does not currently offer online reinstatement. You must mail your documents and fee or submit them in person at a Service Center. Call ahead to confirm the Service Center is open and has the documents you need.
What if I owe fines to multiple courts?
You must pay all outstanding fines and court costs before WisDOT will reinstate your license. Contact each court separately to find out what you owe. Once all courts confirm payment, you can submit your reinstatement request to WisDOT.