Wisconsin lets you check another person's license status through the Department of Transportation

You can find out whether someone's Wisconsin driver's license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled by contacting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) directly. WisDOT maintains the state's driver record system and can confirm the current status of any Wisconsin license holder. The process is straightforward, but the information you receive depends on your relationship to the person and the reason you need the information.

Wisconsin does not offer a public online portal where you can search another person's license status by name or license number. Instead, you must request this information through specific channels: by phone, by mail, or in person at a WisDOT office. Each method has different requirements and timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • WisDOT's Driver Records Bureau handles all license status inquiries and can tell you whether a license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
  • You can call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 during business hours to ask about another person's license status, but you may need to explain your reason for requesting the information.
  • A written request by mail requires a signed statement explaining why you need the information and takes two to three weeks to process.
  • Wisconsin law restricts access to driver records, so requests from employers, insurance companies, or individuals must meet specific legal reasons to be approved.
  • If you suspect a suspended driver is operating a vehicle illegally, you can report this to local law enforcement or the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Calling WisDOT to check license status by phone

The fastest way to check another person's license status is to call the WisDOT Driver Records Bureau at 608-266-2353. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and Wisconsin driver's license number ready when you call. If you do not have the license number, the full name and date of birth are usually enough to locate the record.

When you call, be prepared to explain why you need this information. WisDOT staff will ask whether you are calling as an employer, insurance company, family member, or for another reason. Wisconsin law restricts who can receive driver record information, so your reason matters. Employers and insurance companies have broader access than private individuals. If you are a family member or friend, explain your specific concern — for example, that you are worried about a family member driving unsafely, or that you need to know before hiring someone for a job.

The staff member will tell you the current status of the license over the phone. They can confirm whether it is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and in some cases they can tell you why. They cannot provide a written record over the phone, but they can answer your when ready question.

Requesting a written driver record by mail

If you need an official written record of someone's license status, you must submit a request by mail to WisDOT. Send your request to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Records Bureau P.O. Box 7995 Madison, WI 53707

Your written request must include the person's full name, date of birth, and Wisconsin driver's license number (if you have it). You must also include a signed statement explaining the reason you need the record. Wisconsin law requires that you have a legitimate reason — common reasons include employment verification, insurance purposes, or legal proceedings. A vague request will be denied.

Include a check or money order for the record fee. As of 2024, a certified driver record costs $5, but fees can change. Call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 to confirm the current fee before mailing your request. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date WisDOT receives your letter. If you need the record faster, ask about expedited processing options when you call.

Checking status in person at a WisDOT office

You can also visit a Wisconsin Department of Transportation office in person to request a driver record. WisDOT has regional offices throughout the state. To find the office nearest you, go to the WisDOT website and search for "Driver Services" or "Regional Offices." Bring the person's full name, date of birth, and license number if you have it. Bring a photo ID for yourself.

When you arrive, explain that you need to check another person's license status and provide your reason. The staff member will look up the record and can give you the information on the spot. If you need a certified copy, you can request one and pay the fee at the counter. Certified records are usually ready within a few minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

What Wisconsin law allows you to access

Wisconsin restricts access to driver records under state and federal privacy law. You cannot straightforward request someone's full driving history or personal information. What you can request depends on your reason and your relationship to the person.

Employers can request records for employees or job candidates, usually for safety-sensitive positions. Insurance companies can request records for underwriting or claims purposes. Law enforcement can access records for investigations. Family members and private individuals can request records for legitimate personal reasons, but WisDOT staff will evaluate whether your reason meets the legal standard.

In all cases, you can learn whether a license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You can also learn the reason for the suspension in most cases — for example, whether it was due to unpaid fines, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support. You cannot access the person's full driving history, accident records, or other details beyond the current status and the reason for any suspension.

Reporting a suspended driver operating a vehicle

If you know that someone with a suspended license is driving, you can report this to law enforcement. Call your local police department's non-emergency line or the Wisconsin State Patrol at 1-800-242-3121. Provide the person's name, description, license plate number if you have it, and the location and time you saw them driving. Law enforcement will investigate and can stop the driver if they locate them.

Driving on a suspended license in Wisconsin is a criminal offense. A first offense can result in fines up to $300 and jail time up to 30 days. Subsequent offenses carry higher penalties. If you are concerned about public safety, reporting the violation is appropriate.

Understanding suspension, revocation, and cancellation

When WisDOT tells you a license status, you may hear one of three terms. Suspension means the license is temporarily invalid, usually for a specific period. The driver can regain the license after meeting certain conditions — paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out the suspension period. Revocation means the license has been permanently cancelled by the state, usually due to serious violations like multiple DUIs. A revoked license cannot be restored; the person must reapply and pass all tests as if they were a new driver. Cancellation means the license is no longer valid, often because it expired or the person moved out of state.

When you call or request a record, ask WisDOT staff to clarify which status applies and what it means for that specific person. The reason for the suspension or revocation is important context — a suspension for unpaid fines is different from a suspension for a safety violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check a Wisconsin license status online?

No. Wisconsin does not offer a public online search tool for checking another person's license status. You must call WisDOT at 608-266-2353, request a record by mail, or visit an office in person. You can check your own license status online through your WisDOT account if you have one, but not someone else's.

What if the person has an out-of-state license?

If the person holds a license from another state, you must contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. Each state maintains its own driver record system. WisDOT can only provide information about Wisconsin licenses. Search online for "[state name] DMV driver record" to find the contact information for the state where the license was issued.

Will the person know I checked their license?

No. Wisconsin law does not require WisDOT to notify a driver that someone requested their record. However, if you are requesting the record as an employer or for a legal proceeding, you may be required to tell the person separately as part of your own process.

How long does a suspension usually last?

Suspension length varies widely depending on the reason. Some suspensions last 30 days, others last six months or longer. When you contact WisDOT, ask them to tell you the suspension end date if one applies. The person can also call WisDOT themselves to find out when their suspension will be lifted.

Can I get a record for someone who doesn't have a Wisconsin license?

No. WisDOT only maintains records for people who hold or have held a Wisconsin driver's license. If the person never had a Wisconsin license, WisDOT has no record to provide. You would need to contact the state where they do or did hold a license.