In order to review, process, and approve on right of way (ROW) permit applications in a more timely and efficient manner for our customers, the Wisconsin Department Transportation (WisDOT) is utilizing an electronic permitting system. Many state departments of transportation and other units of government are also using or moving towards electronic permitting. WisDOT's program is called SHAPES, which stands for State Highway Access and Permitting Electronic System.
The first module that has been completed will handle Work on Highway ROW permits. On November 10, 2025, the Northwest Region – Eau Claire and Superior offices will implement SHAPES in their counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau and Washburn. On December 1, 2025, the remaining region offices and counties in the state will implement SHAPES.
Sometime in 2026, state highway connection permits (driveways, road/street intersections, recreation trails) and access management functions (developments, subdivision review, access modifications, covenants, Trans 233, ATV routes, etc.) will also be available in SHAPES.
The SHAPES button takes you to the main landing page. The second and third buttons contain information about how to use and create an account for SHAPES. The MyWisconsin ID button takes you directly to its registration page. The Work on Highway ROW permits button takes you to that homepage. Again, only Work on Highway ROW permits are to be submitted in SHAPES at this time.
Helpful reminders
- A MyWisconsinID is required to apply for a SHAPES account.
- A SHAPES account is required to obtain a Work on Highway ROW permit. If a customer does not have access to a computer, WisDOT staff will enter their name and address into SHAPES, which allows us to process their paper application electronically. This will take more time since we have to scan the paper application and correspond with them via regular mail. If a customer has a friend or relative that can establish an account on their behalf, it would significantly reduce the permit processing wait time.
- You will not be filling out a replica of a Work on Highway ROW permit form (DT1812) in SHAPES. The form fields are the same but just arranged differently on a computer screen. Upon permit approval, a customer can download and print a copy of their permit, which will be very close in appearance to the current DT1812 form.
- There is no smart phone app for SHAPES at this time. A customer may view a PDF copy of their permit in SHAPES on a smart phone by accessing their account via WisDOT's website.
- When filling out the Work on Highway ROW permit application form in SHAPES:
a. It cannot be saved until all required data field information is entered: - A red error message is displayed
when information is missing. -
The affected tab changes to red where the information is missing.
b. You cannot upload attachments, images, etc. until the form is saved.
c. If SHAPES remains idle for more than 30 minutes before saving the application form data, your information will be lost.
d. After saving the form, you may return to it at any time prior to application submittal to make edits, add or delete attachments, images, etc.
e. Once submitted, WisDOT may ask you to correct any erroneous information or upload any missing documents, images, etc.
- There is no cost for a Work on Highway ROW permit.
Contact WisDOT
For general questions regarding SHAPES, contact:
Bob Fasick
Wisconsin DOT
Bureau of Highway Maintenance
(608) 266-3438
Steve Sydow
Wisconsin DOT
Bureau of Technical Services
(715) 836-3912
Email:
DOTSHAPES@dot.wi.gov