Updated On July 6, 2021
Did you know America’s Dairy Land drivers prefer the Honda Civic? It won the title of “Most Popular Car in Wisconsin” according to a 2021 Insurify study. Drivers in Wisconsin get go experience the road through all four seasons, adapting to icy winters and hilly roads through the months.

The latest statistic we have for the number of licensed drivers in Wisconsin is from 2019; recorded at 4 296 646. That’s a lot considering the entire population was 5.822 million at the time. But the number of drivers has probably grown since, as just this past May 2021, Wisconsin had close to 30,000 new vehicle registrations in the state.

Wisconsin Driver’s License Renewal Guide

What do I need and how do I renew my Wisconsin driver’s license? Good questions.

Renewing a Driver’s License in Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers license renewal must be completed within one year of the drivers license expiration date. Probationary licenses must be renewed within ninety days of expiration.

Wisconsin Driver’s License Renewal Application Forms

Renewing a drivers license in Wisconsin requires the completion of a renewal form. This form can be taken to your local DMV office. The application is available online for printing.

Applications are also located onsite as well. If you have a probationary license, you may qualify for an online renewal. Use the Department of Transportation’s Driver License Guide to see if an online application is possible.

Wisconsin Military Driver’s License Renewal

If you are active duty in the military, you may renew your driver license by mail thirty days after your return to the state or ninety days after discharge. Residents who are temporarily out of state may also renew by mail.

Wisconsin License Renewal Required Documents

To renew your Wisconsin drivers license, you must provide proof of the following:

• Identity
• Legal Status
• Name Change (if applicable)

U.S. Citizens must provide a valid U.S. passport, passport card, U.S. State or local government issued Certificate of Birth, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.

Other documents may be accepted for special circumstances like naturalization and foreign-born citizens. Non-U.S. citizens will need to provide proof of legal status such as a valid foreign passport, Resident ID card, Refugee travel document.

Wisconsin REAL ID Driver’s License Requirements

The state of Wisconsin issues REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses based on the REAL ID Act of 2005.

You can change your non-REAL ID compliant drivers license to a REAL ID compliant driver’s license for no additional fee, as long as the upgrade is completed at the time of renewal.

To renew with a REAL ID, you would need to provide proof of the following:

• Date of Birth
• Legal Residency Status
• Social Security Number
• Wisconsin Residency
• Name Change (if applicable)

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) in Wisconsin

If you want to renew your commercial driver’s license there may be additional information needed. Commercial renewals require proof of legal status, a Federal Medical Examiner Certificate, and a certification of your commercial tier operation.

If you have additional endorsements such as hazardous materials or school bus, you will be subject to additional knowledge testing and an FBI background check.

Tests to Renew Wisconsin License

Wisconsin drivers who have not had a license in more than eight years will need to go through additional testing.

Drivers in this situation must pass the knowledge test, sign recognition test, and driving skills test in order to qualify for renewal.

For people with specific disabilities, additional special exam tests may be required. Vision tests are administered on location and are free of cost.

Wisconsin Driver’s License Renewal Fees

The required fee to renew your driver’s license in Wisconsin is $34, while the commercial license renewal fee is $74.

The Wisconsin DMV accepts cash, checks, debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express).

Veteran and Organ Donor Status for Wisconsin License Renewal

Wisconsin license renewal can include Veteran and organ donor identifiers. Veterans would need to verify eligibility with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in order to do so.

Getting Your New WI Driver’s License

All Wisconsin driver licenses are sent through the mail. You will receive a temporary license at the DMV location and the permanent driver license will be mailed to you.