(en español)
An occupational license is a restricted driver license that may be available to you if your privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended or revoked. An occupational license enables you to maintain your employment and household. Unlike a regular license, an occupational license limits when, where and what type of vehicle you may drive (stat. chapter 343.10(1)(a)).
Important: You must have an
SR22 Insurance Certificate on file with the DMV to qualify for an occupational license.
With an occupational license, you may drive:
- to and from work
- to and from school, college or university
- to and from places that you need to visit to maintain your household such as:
- grocery store or market
- pharmacy
- laundromat
- gas station
- to and from your church or place of worship
- to attend to necessary family needs such as medical appointments and Driver Safety Plan
You may not use an occupational license for:
- recreational purposes such as
- visiting family or friends
- attending a social or sporting event
- operation of a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999
A partial list of driving events and their Occupational license use types is available at:
Occupational License Requested Use Types
Your occupational license will specifically state the hours you will be permitted to operate a motor vehicle. Your total driving time is limited to:
- 12 hours driving per day (need not be consecutive hours)
- 60 hours total driving for the week
Your occupational license will limit where you may drive. On your application, you will list:
- Wisconsin counties in which you need to drive
- other states in which you need to drive
- If you need to drive in another state, you must check with that state to see if they allow you to drive in that state with a Wisconsin occupational license
If you operate a motor vehicle outside the specified hours or for a purpose not specified on the occupational license, you can be cited for operating after suspension or revocation.
How to apply for an occupational license
You can use our online application to
check your eligibility for an occupational license
