New residents

In Wisconsin, you can either have a driver license or an ID card, not both.

Apply for a Wisconsin driver license with your out-of-state license.

Timeframes to apply for a WI driver license or ID after establishing residence:

• Within 60 days for a regular license
• Within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

OR

Apply for a Wisconsin ID.

Locate your nearest DMV and check wait times.

Notes:

• In Wisconsin, you will need to show identification at the polls to vote. You can use your Wisconsin driver license or ID.

• REAL ID. If you currently have an out-of-state REAL ID, you will still need to provide necessary documents to obtain a Wisconsin REAL ID. Wisconsin offers the option of a federally-compliant or non-compliant driver license or ID.

When you become a Wisconsin resident, you must apply for a Wisconsin title and license plates for your vehicle.

Out-of-state titles can be used to apply online for Wisconsin title and plates, if your out of state title is not available you must apply by mail or in person see options below.

You can easily apply online for either standard license plates or special plates (if eligible) for these vehicles (the types marked with * will be able to print a Temporary Plate if eligible):

• Automobiles and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)*
• Autocycles*
• Light trucks (<8,000 lbs.*, or farm trucks at 12,000 lbs.)
• Motorcycles (special plates not available online)
• Moped (special plates not available online)
• Recreational Vehicle Trailers (campers and mobile homes under 40 feet) (special plates not available online)

Most special plates are available for automobiles, SUVs, autocycles and light trucks. The online process (eMV Public) is not available for personalized plates or plates that require approval or eligibility verification (e.g. Military, Firefighter, Operating Engineer, Collector/Hobbyist). Please mail the appropriate special plate application and fees. See Special plates for specific plate requirements and applications.

How to apply:

1. Review the restrictions.
2. Have these ready:
• A Wisconsin Driver License or Identification card, last four digits of your Social Security number and date of birth. Here’s how to obtain a driver license with a valid out-of-state license.
• Your physical out of state vehicle title
• A printer with 8.5 by 11-inch paper to print off the required documents. The eApplication/receipt must be mailed to the DMV to complete the transaction.
• A valid email address to send your eApplication/receipt and temporary plate (if applicable).
• You will receive your eApplication/receipt and temporary plate (if applicable) from emvpublic@dot.wi.gov
• If the email is not found in your email inbox, check your junk/spam folder
• Payment Information
• Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee for this service.
  OR
• Checking/savings account using ACH (Automated Clearing House) and avoid the convenience fee.
3. Complete the online process.

By selecting the "START NOW" button below, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the following:

I agree that by completing this online application:

• I am obligated to mail the required documents to the department for completion of my vehicle transaction.
• The fees required for this transaction cannot be refunded.
• Junk vehicles are not eligible for WI title or registration.
• Salvage vehicles are eligible for title only.
4. Remember to mail the following items after you pay and complete your online transaction:
• Title and License Plate eApplication/Receipt
• A valid, original lien release if there is a lien holder listed on the from of the title and the loan has been paid off

Send to:

WisDOT-eMV Public
P.O. Box 7907
Madison, WI 53707-7907

Click “Start Now” below to apply online.

This service may not be available on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.m. due to regular system maintenance.

VIN error note: If you receive an error while entering the VIN, we are unable to recognize the vehicle. Please mail in your application.

Note: Processing times will be longer for mailed in applications. To receive your title and license plates faster (including temporary plates) see apply online above.

Have these ready:

• A printer with 8.5 by 11-inch paper to print off the required documents.
• The Certificate of Title (not a photocopy) or other proof of ownership document (for example your out-of-state registration or other documentation issued by a government agency).
• If you do not submit your title
• you will only receive Wisconsin registration and plates.
• you will still pay the title fee. If you later submit your out-of-state title, DMV will issue a Wisconsin title at no additional charge (except counter service fee, if applicable).
• A Wisconsin Title and License Plate application (MV1). Use this MV1 Application to pre-fill application and calculate fees. Included will be a summary sheet explaining how to submit all documents and payment.
• If you would like a special plate, include a form for your special plate.
• If you do not use the MV1 Application, please print out and complete the MV1 Wisconsin Title and License Plate application, sign (make a copy for your records) and include these fees:

1. Title fee
2. Sales tax (if applicable)
3. Local sales tax (if applicable)
4. Registration fee for either a license plate transfer or, new plates, or renewal if your current plates expire within the next three months. To legally operate the vehicle on Wisconsin roads, it needs to be registered.
5. Wheel tax (if applicable)
6. Electric or hybrid electric vehicle fuel surcharge (if applicable)

The DMV customer how-to guides will help you complete each section of the MV1 form.

Do not send cash. Make check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust

Send to:

WI Dept. of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949

You must display Wisconsin license plates or temporary plate within two business days of purchase to legally operate your vehicle.

Have these ready:

• The Original Certificate of Title issued to you (not a photocopy)
• Driver license/identification card as proof of identity
• Payment for your title and plates/registration to receive the vehicle title
• In addition, there is a $5 counter service fee
• Payment options
• Cash, check/money order, credit/debit (convenience fee applies)

For faster service:

• Bring a pre-filled MV1 Application which will also help calculate the fees

• Download, complete and bring the MV1 application. Instructions on how to complete and calculate fees are included.

Find your closestDMV Service Center

DMV customer how-to guides will help you complete each section of the MV1 form.

Other options to apply in person:

Wisconsin allows third-party agencies to process title transfers and issue new plates for walk-in customers.

• DMV title/registration service agents
  

Note: Titles are printed and mailed from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Madison.

Driver license or ID questions:

• Do I have to take a road test again?
• If you have not held a valid driver license in more than 8 years, you will need to pass a knowledge test, highway sign recognition test and a driving skills test.

• I have a REAL ID in my previous state, will I get a Real ID in Wisconsin?
• No. You will need to present all acceptable documents to Wisconsin. For more information visit the REAL ID webpage.

• Can I apply online to obtain my WI Driver License or ID?
• You must appear in person at a Wisconsin DMV customer service center.

• Can I make an appointment and what documents do I need to bring with me?
• Yes, an appointment is recommended but not required. For faster service, you can complete the application online, submit it electronically and make an appointment using the WI Driver License or ID Card Guide. The guide will provide you with a checklist of required documents and fees you must bring to the DMV.

• My out-of-state driver license is expired, does that matter?
• An expired (8 years or less) driver license or ID card can be used as a proof of identity document under the DMV’s list of acceptable documents needed to apply for a WI driver license or ID card.
• If your out of state driver license is expired more than 8 years you will need to retake all tests.

• My out-of-state license doesn’t expire for a couple of years. Can I keep it and get a Wisconsin driver license when it expires?
• No. You must apply for a Wisconsin driver license after establishing residence:
• Within 60 days for a regular license
• Within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

• I have a commercial and/or motorcycle driver license from out-of-state. Does that transfer too, or do I have to re-take the tests?
• It transfers if your out-of-state driver license is authorized for commercial or motorcycle operation (equivalent to Wisconsin’s Classes A,B,C and/or Class M) and is valid or expires in 8 years or less,
• You will need to re-take applicable knowledge and road tests if it has been expired for more than 8 years.
• Commercial endorsements (like Hazardous Materials or School Bus) may need further requirements here.

• I lost my out-of-state license. Can I get a WI license without it?
• Bring in a different proof of identity. Wisconsin DMV will use other methods to validate your current driving status in your previous state but you must provide your out-of-state driver license number. Photocopies or pictures of your out-of-state license are not accepted.

• Can I keep my out-of-state license?
• Your out-of-state driver license will be imprinted with “VOID” and given back to you.

• Why was I issued a probationary license?
• You may be issued a probationary driver license if:
• Your out-of-state driver license has been expired more than 6 months OR
• You are under 21 years old OR
• You have less than three years of licensed driving experience

• My out-of-state driver license is suspended. Can I still get a Wisconsin license?
• No. You must have a valid status in all 50 states in order to obtain a Wisconsin license.

Vehicle title and plate questions:

• Can I be issued a refund for my out of state plates?
• WI DMV cannot refund nor credit unused registration on your previous state's license plate.

• What if I still owe money on my vehicle (I have my out of state title with a lien listed)?
• Wisconsin is a title holding state, meaning the title is sent to the lender. You will receive a Confirmation of Ownership. When the loan is paid, and the lien is released a Wisconsin title will be issued to you.

• What if I still owe money on my vehicle (my title is being held by my lender)?

• You can submit your out of state registration and you will receive license plates and registration only. You will still pay the title fee. If you later submit your out-of-state title, DMV will issue a Wisconsin title at no additional charge (except counter service fee, if applicable).

• What if I cannot find my out of state title?

• You can submit your out of state registration and you will receive license plates and registration only. You will still pay the title fee. If you later submit your out-of-state title, DMV will issue a Wisconsin title at no additional charge (except counter service fee, if applicable). If a replacement title is needed you will need to contact the last state it was titled in.

• Do I have to pay sales tax in Wisconsin?

• If you have owned your vehicle for 90 days or more, list your purchase price as 0.00. In the Tax Exemption section select Code 9 with Reason over 90 days.
• If you have not owned your vehicle over 90 days, list the purchase price you paid when you purchased the vehicle.
• If you paid sales tax: In the Tax Exemption section, select Code 5; submit proof of sales tax paid with your application.

• Do I need to list a purchase price even though I purchased my vehicle years ago?

• If you have owned your vehicle for 90 days or more, list your purchase price as 0.00. In the Tax Exemption section select Code 9 with Reason over 90 days.
• If you have not owned your vehicle over 90 days, list the purchase price you paid when you purchased the vehicle.
• If you paid sales tax: In the Tax Exemption section, select Code 5; submit proof of sales tax paid with your application.

• Is my vehicle required to pass an emission (smog) test?

• Vehicle emissions testing is required by some Wisconsin counties within 45 days after first registering your vehicle. You will receive a letter from DMV if you are required to have an emission test.

• My out-of-state plates don’t expire until next year. Can I keep driving with them until they expire and then get my Wisconsin plates?
• No. You are required upon establishing residency in Wisconsin to title and register your vehicle here.

• How do I register my boat or ATV?
• Contact the DNR online at gowild.wi.gov.