History of DMV

You're used to the DMV handling your driver's license or ID card transactions, as well as the titling and registration of your vehicles, but did you know that the Wisconsin DMV is a part of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, known as WisDOT?

WisDOT History

WisDOT became the umbrella agency in 1967, bringing together the formerly independent agencies of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission, and the State Patrol and is now the governing agency for all forms of transportation, including land, air, rail, and water.

WisDOT Today

The department handles all planning, building, and maintenance of the growing network of state highways in Wisconsin, as well as maintaining the interstate highway system, sharing in the costs with county and local transportation systems, including highways, public transit, and other transportation methods.

WisDOT is a key resource in the planning and promotion of air, rail, and water transportation in Wisconsin and provides the funding for all such promotion and public outreach and education programs and takes pride in the care and support lent to Wisconsin's bicyclist and pedestrian facilities.

History of Transportation in Wisconsin

WisDOT has a wonderful Quick Fact page, full of interesting facts, trivia, and even fun for anyone interested in the history of transit in Wisconsin.

Transportation Timeline

There is also a timeline broken down by time frame, As far back as the 1600's Wisconsin can trace a transportation heritage stretching back to the days of the fur traders.

Even More Beautiful

Jumping forward, we learn that in 1968 the Highway Beautification Act came into law and all 50 states began prettying up freeways.

Ahead of the Rest

Stepping back for a moment, we learn that Wisconsin was ahead if the pack by enacting the first uniform highway classification and numbering system, which was eventually adopted as the National standard.

A Touching Sensitivity

In 2003 Wisconsin developed a position to offer guidance on the construction of roadside memorials demonstrating a keen sensitivity to the needs of Wisconsin citizens who have lost loved ones in automobile accidents, a consideration that is overlooked in the majority of states.