Wisconsin driver license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Wisconsin driver license through three routes: online at wisconsindmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a Wisconsin DMV Service Center. The online option is fastest and costs less than renewing in person — you pay $28 instead of $35 — but it is only open to you if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions in the past five years. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a Service Center to complete it face-to-face.

Your renewal timeline depends on which route you choose. Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks from the time Wisconsin DMV receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and your plastic card arrives within 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Wisconsin offers online renewal for $28 if your license is current and you have no recent violations or medical holds on your record.
  • Mail-in renewal costs $35 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal also costs $35 and gives you a temporary license the same day.
  • Your Wisconsin driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, so you will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Service Center in person.
  • You will need to pass a vision test to renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal: the fastest and cheapest option

To renew online, go to wisconsindmv.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current Wisconsin driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about your driving record and medical history.

Online renewal is only open to you if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, you have not had a medical suspension or revocation, and you are not required to take a written test. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you that you cannot renew online and will direct you to mail or in-person options.

After you complete the online form, you will pay $28 by credit or debit card. Wisconsin DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You can use your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.

Mail-in renewal: what to send and where to send it

To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal process from Wisconsin DMV or print one from wisconsindmv.gov. The form is called the process for Wisconsin Driver License (Form DL-43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and include a copy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days will work.

Mail your completed form and address proof to the address listed on the process. Include a check or money order for $35 made payable to "Wisconsin Department of Transportation." Do not send cash. Wisconsin DMV will process your process and mail your new license to you within about two weeks of receiving it.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. If that is your situation, you must renew in person at a Service Center.

In-person renewal at a Wisconsin DMV Service Center

To renew in person, visit any Wisconsin DMV Service Center with your current driver license and one document that proves your address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the $35 renewal fee.

At the Service Center, you will take a vision test and answer questions about your medical history and driving record. If you pass the vision test and have no disqualifying violations or medical issues, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your name or address, or if you were unable to renew online or by mail for any reason.

Vision test requirements for all renewal routes

Wisconsin requires a vision test for every license renewal, regardless of which route you choose. If you renew online, you will complete a self-administered vision screening through your computer — the system will ask you to read text on your screen from a specific distance. If you renew by mail, you will need to have your vision tested by an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) and submit their certification with your process. If you renew in person, a Service Center staff member will conduct the vision test on-site.

If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew your license until you pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail even with correction, you will need to see an eye care professional and obtain a certification of vision correction before you can renew.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online (if you meet the other requirements). If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at a Service Center. explore for a new license requires a written knowledge test, a road test, and proof of identity and residency, so it is a longer process than renewal.

Wisconsin DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, so you have a two-month window to renew before your license becomes invalid. If you do not receive a notice, you can check your expiration date on wisconsindmv.gov or by calling your local Service Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Wisconsin driver license valid?

A Wisconsin driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

Can I renew my Wisconsin license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. To renew a Wisconsin license, you must have a Wisconsin address on file. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Wisconsin resident, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements.

What if I need to change my name or address during renewal?

If you need to change your name, you must renew in person at a Service Center and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you only need to update your address, you can do so online, by mail, or in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Wisconsin DMV Service Center?

Most Wisconsin DMV Service Centers accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check wisconsindmv.gov or call your local Service Center before you visit to confirm whether an appointment is needed.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

If you lose your license while waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can request a duplicate license at a Service Center for $10. Bring your temporary paper license or another form of ID. Your new renewal license will still arrive separately by mail.