Renewing Your License

Expiration of Your License

Wisconsin driver licenses and identification cards expire every eight years; that's one of the longest expiration cycles in the United States.

Many of the forms you'll find here are available online using the free Adobe Reader.

Renewal Notices

The Wisconsin DMV will send a renewal notice to the address on file between 45-30 days prior to your renewal date.

Because there is such a long gap between renewals, it is even more important for you to make sure that the DMV has you current address. See our section on how to change your address if you need help getting current with the DMV.

How to Renew

When you are ready to renew your license, you will need to appear in person at your local DMV service center and have the following:

• Your current driver's license.

• Your renewal notice.

• Your Social Security card.

• Renewal fee.

• A Certificate of Vision Examination by Competent Authority or pass the vision test administered by the DMV.

If you lose your renewal notice, you must complete a Wisconsin Driver License/ID Card Application either before you go to renew or at the DMV.

When to Renew

You may renew your driver's license or state ID card anywhere from one year to the day before the expiration date. A probationary license may be renewed up to 90 days before its expiration date. If you allow your driver's license or ID card to expire, a late fee will be added to the renewal fee.

Renewal Fees

Here are the fees for driver's license and State ID card renewals:

• Class D driver's license: $34

• Instruction permit: $35

• Motorcycle license: $22

• Class A, B or C commercial driver's license: $74

• State identification card: $28

Mailing Time

Your renewed driver's license will be mailed to you at your current address within 2 to 3 weeks after the renewal.

Out-Of-State

If you are outside of Wisconsin when it comes time to renew your driver's license or state ID card, here's how you can renew:

• Download, print, and complete a Wisconsin Driver License/ID Card Application Form.

• Obtain a Certificate of Vision Examination by Competent Authority.

• Send a check or money order for the correct fee made payable to the "Registration Fee Trust" to:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 7995

• Madison, WI 53707-7995

Your renewed driver's license will be mailed to you at your out-of-state temporary address in approximately 2-3 weeks after the DMV processes the renewal.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. Check out our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.