I Just Moved to Wisconsin. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?

Welcome to America’s Dairyland! Once you become a resident of Wisconsin, you are required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration. Here’s more information regarding transferring your out-of-state documentation to Wisconsin.

New Residents of Wisconsin

As a new resident of Wisconsin, you are required to apply for a WI driver’s license. If you have a standard Class D or Class M license (automobiles and motorcycles), you are required to apply for a WI driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

If you obtain a Class A, B, or C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you are required to apply for your WI CDL license within 30 days of establishing residency in Wisconsin. Be advised that all Hazmat (H) and School Bus(S) endorsements require testing before issuance.

Wisconsin Licensing Requirements

In the state of Wisconsin, you need to understand and meet the licensing requirements. The WI licensing requirements are as follows:

• You must be at least 16 years of age

• If you are under the age of 18:

  • You are required to hold an instruction permit or previous license for at least 6 months and be violation-free for the 6 months prior to applying for your permanent WI license.

  • You must be able to prove you have completed an approved driver education course, which includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training.

• You are required to appear in person at your local Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (WI DMV) office to:

  • Have your photo taken

  • Present a completed Driver License Application (Form MV3001)

  • Pass a vision and hearing screening

  • A written and/or driving exam may be required

  • Existing medical conditions may require a Medical Examination Report

  • Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license and/or identification card

  • Pay all applicable WI fees

What Other Documents Should You Take to Your Local WI DMV Office?

In the state of Wisconsin, you can obtain a REAL ID (compliant) or standard (non-compliant) WI driver’s license and ID cards.

The following documents are required to obtain a standard WI driver’s license:

• Proof of:

  • Name and date of birth

  • Identify

  • Name change (if applicable)

  • Citizenship or legal status in the U.S.

  • Wisconsin residency

The following documents are required if you want to obtain a REAL-ID compliant WI driver’s license. These documents must be original documents or certified copies. The following documents can’t be photocopied, faxed, or scanned. The required documents for a WI REAL-ID are:

• Proof of:

  • Name and date of birth

  • Citizenship or legal status in the U.S.

  • Identity

  • Name change (if applicable) - If you present a valid U.S. passport in your current name, proof of your name change history is not required.

  • Wisconsin residency (two documents are required)

  • Social Security Number

Wisconsin Vision Screening

In Wisconsin, if you are applying for a standard driver’s license, you must take and pass an eye test. This vision screening measures the level of detail you can see clearly, as well as, your distance vision and peripheral vision.

You must demonstrate 20/40 in both eyes and a 70-degree field of vision, measured from the middle of each eye. These standards can be met with corrective lenses, either eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If you don’t pass the WI vision screening, you will be referred by the WI DMV to a vision specialist to determine whether your vision is good enough to safely operate a motor vehicle.

You may be required to endure a complete driving evaluation, in which you must show at least 20/100 vision or better in one eye and a 20-degree field of vision from the center in at least one eye.

Wisconsin Written Examination

The Wisconsin DMV written exam is a 50 multiple-choice question test. 40 of these questions cover the most essential road signs and rules in the state of Wisconsin. Of the 50 questions, you will need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to achieve the required passing score of 80%. If you fail the written exam, you are allowed to re-take the test a maximum of five times in a single year.

Wisconsin Road Skills Test

The WI road skills test is used to determine how safely you maneuver a motor vehicle and follow WI road signs and traffic laws. You will be tested on parking, using your turn signals, and other traffic situations.

Registering a Vehicle in Wisconsin

Once you establish residency in Wisconsin, you are required to register your vehicle with the WI DMV by mail or in person. Most vehicle registrations in Wisconsin are valid for one year.

Registering Your Vehicle in Person

If you’re registering your Wisconsin vehicle in person, you need to visit your local WI DMV office with:

• Your current out-of-state vehicle registration (if you have lost the vehicle’s registration, you can apply for a replacement registration.)

• A completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)

• Proof of identification (e.g. a valid U.S. passport, driver’s license, military ID)

• Proof of sales tax paid to your prior state if you’ve owned the vehicle for less than 90 days

• Payment for all applicable WI vehicle registration and title fees, plus any applicable municipal or county wheel tax

Registering Your Vehicle by Mail in Wisconsin

If you choose to register your vehicle by mail, be advised that mail processing time takes several weeks. If your existing out-of-state vehicle’s license plate will expire soon, you may want to consider registering your vehicle in person at your local WI DMV office.

In order to successfully register your vehicle by mail, you need to send a completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1) along with the required payment(s) - check or money order made payable to Registration Fee Trust to the address provided on the application.

Unlike other states, the state of Wisconsin does not require proof of a valid WI auto insurance policy or proof of passing a vehicle inspection when you are registering a vehicle. Keep in mind that you may be required to have a smog check performed on your vehicle when the time comes to renew your WI vehicle registration.

Within two days of purchasing a new vehicle, the state of Wisconsin requires you to display temporary or permanent plates on your vehicle. Be advised that:

• Driving without WI license plates can result in a fine of up to $200

• Handmade license plates that read “applied for” or dealer-issued vehicle plates are not valid

If you’re mailing your WI vehicle registration to the WI DMV, you need to bring proof of payment to your local WI office to receive a 90-day temporary license plate for a fee of $3. Be advised you may also be charged a $5 service fee.

Temporary Vehicle Registration

In order to apply for a temporary 90-day WI vehicle registration while you’re waiting for your permanent registration to arrive, you can visit your local WI MDV office and present:

• A completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)

• Payment for your WI vehicle registration certificate

Transferring WI License Plates

You can transfer your existing license plates to your new vehicle if:

• The vehicle is of the same type (ex. Car to car, motorcycle to motorcycle, etc.)

• The license plate is still valid

In order to notify the WI DMV, you need to submit a Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1). Make sure you complete Section B of this form. Mail the application to the address listed on the application. There is no fee required if the plates are valid.

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles Locations

The state of Wisconsin has Department of Motor Vehicle locations throughout the state that allow you to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration.

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles - Wausau Office

5301 Rib Mountain Dr

Wausau, WI 54401

• 264-7447*

Monday - Friday (8:30AM to 4:45 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles - Adams Office

215 W North St

Adams, WI 53910

• 339-6703*

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (6 AM to 8 PM)

Friday (6 AM to 7 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles - Madison Office

2001 Bartillon Drive

Madison, WI 53704

• 266-1466*

Monday - Friday (8:30 AM to 4:45 PM)

Saturday (8:30 AM to 12 PM)

Sunday (Closed)

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles - Marshfield Office

503 S Cherry Ave

Marshfield, WI 54449

• 264-7447*

Call for business hours