How to Renew Your Wisconsin Driver's License

Wisconsin driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Wisconsin issues driver's licenses that remain valid for eight years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. You have three ways to renew: online through the WisDOT website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Wisconsin DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update information, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.

The renewal fee in Wisconsin is $85 for an eight-year license, regardless of which method you choose. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive.

Key Takeaways

Wisconsin sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, and you can use that notice to renew by mail or online.
Online renewal through the WisDOT website is the fastest option if your address and other information have not changed and your license is not yet expired.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online and must renew in person at a DMV office with proof of identity and residency.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit; you send in your renewal notice, payment, and any required documents, and WisDOT mails your new license to you.
The renewal fee is $85 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.

Renewing online through WisDOT

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid (not yet expired), you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. Go to the WisDOT website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The fee is $85.

After you complete the online renewal, WisDOT will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, and your new license should arrive within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue to drive legally while you wait for the new one. You will not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, but your current license serves that purpose until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office and your license is still valid. Use the renewal notice WisDOT sent you in the mail. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $85 made payable to "Wisconsin Department of Transportation," and mail everything to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. If you have changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal, you cannot use mail renewal; you must renew in person instead.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. WisDOT typically processes mail renewals within 10 to 15 business days, but the time from when you mail the form to when you receive your new license can be three to four weeks or longer depending on mail delivery. If you need your new license quickly, in-person renewal is faster. Keep a copy of what you mail in case you need to follow up with WisDOT about your renewal status.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or other personal information, if you want to update your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Visit any Wisconsin DMV office with your current license (even if expired), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or other state-issued ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.

Bring a check, money order, or credit/debit card to pay the $85 renewal fee. You will have your photo taken at the office, and you can receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you. The new license typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you need the license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers expedited renewal and what the cost is.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The renewal fee remains $85 regardless of how long the license has been expired. You cannot legally drive until you have a valid license in hand or a temporary paper license from the office.

If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for other reasons, bring documentation of that circumstance to the office if you have it, though it is not required. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as any other in-person renewal. There are no penalties or additional fees for renewing a license that has lapsed.

Changing information during renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or want to update your photo, you must renew in person. Bring the documents that support the change: a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, and proof of your new address for a move. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. The renewal fee is still $85 and covers the new license with updated information and a new photo.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must also renew in person. CDL renewals have additional requirements, including a medical examination form signed by a licensed healthcare provider. Bring that form with you to the office along with your current CDL, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

Finding a Wisconsin DMV office and checking wait times

Wisconsin has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the WisDOT website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday (rather than Friday or Saturday) often means shorter waits. A few offices accept appointments, which you can book through the WisDOT website if available in your area.

If you cannot visit an office in your county, you can visit any Wisconsin DMV office. There is no requirement to renew at a specific location. Call the office ahead of time if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether they offer expedited service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The fee is $85 regardless of how long ago it expired.

What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The office will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

WisDOT processes online renewals within 5 to 10 business days, and your new license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait.

Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No, CDL renewals must be done in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring a medical examination form signed by a licensed healthcare provider, along with your current CDL, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The renewal fee is $85.

What if I lost my renewal notice from WisDOT?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For online renewal, use your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If you want to renew by mail, contact WisDOT to request a replacement renewal notice.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.