Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Wisconsin driver's license in person at any Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Service Center, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no trip.
For either method, bring your current driver's license, proof of Wisconsin residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time after turning 18.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any WisDOT Service Center or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you get a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- Bring your current license, proof of Wisconsin residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to either location.
- Wisconsin licenses expire on your birthday and cost $35 for an eight-year renewal, or $25 for a four-year renewal if you are over 60.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, and your license is not expired by more than one year. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license.
To renew by mail, contact WisDOT at 608-266-2353 or visit the WisDOT website to request a renewal form. Mail the completed form along with your current license, proof of residency, and payment to the address provided. WisDOT will mail your new license to you, which typically arrives within two to three weeks. During that time, your current license remains valid.
Renewing in person at a Service Center
Walk into any WisDOT Service Center during business hours with your documents and payment. Service Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week are typically shorter.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, Social Security number, and payment. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and works for all purposes until your permanent license arrives.
Cost and expiration timeline
A standard eight-year renewal costs $35. If you are 60 or older, you can choose a four-year renewal for $25 instead. Wisconsin licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person — mail renewal is not an option.
Payment methods vary by location. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewals require a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard process. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical suspension. Contact WisDOT or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required.
Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call WisDOT at 608-266-2353 and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the status and what you need to do next.
Renewing after a name change
If your name has changed since your last license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Wisconsin residency, and payment. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name.
If you changed your name but have not yet updated your Social Security card, bring a document from Social Security showing your old name and the date you applied for the change. This helps WisDOT verify your identity during the renewal process.
Finding a WisDOT Service Center near you
WisDOT operates Service Centers in most Wisconsin counties. Visit the WisDOT website and use the Service Center locator tool to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Some counties have multiple centers; choose whichever is most convenient. If you live in a rural area far from a Service Center, you may be able to renew by mail even if you normally would not may have access to — call 608-266-2353 to ask about exceptions.
A few Service Centers offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the locator tool for your location's specific schedule before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Wisconsin does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a Service Center or by mail. Mail renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid a trip.
What if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?
If you renewed in person, your temporary license is valid until your permanent license arrives, even if your old license expires in the meantime. If you renewed by mail and your old license expires before the new one arrives, contact WisDOT — they can issue a temporary extension.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
Yes, if you renew in person. WisDOT takes a new photo at the Service Center. If you renew by mail, WisDOT uses the photo from your current license unless it is more than 12 years old, in which case they will request a new one.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. When you renew in person, you receive the temporary license when ready. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up from WisDOT.
What if I moved out of Wisconsin — can I still renew?
No. You must be a Wisconsin resident to renew a Wisconsin license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a license from that state instead.