Wisconsin Drivers License Replacement
1. Get Started With Drivers License Replacement Assistance Online
If your license has been recently lost or stolen, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. Without a valid license, you will not be able to drive legally in your state or present a valid form of identification when necessary. The two most common methods of replacing your lost or stolen license are visiting your local licensing location in person or applying for a replacement online. Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to replace your license or ID by mail. However, the fastest and most efficient way to replace your driving credential is online. To learn how to replace your license online, you can refer to our helpful drivers license guide. In addition to helping you through the replacement process, our guide will also teach you how to renew and change the name or address on your license.
2. By Mail
Most states offer a mail-in application option to residents who have lost their license while out of the state. In most cases, military service members stationed outside of the state will also be able to apply for a replacement by mail. To apply, you will need to mail in a primary and secondary proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to send proof of a residential address such as a deed, voter registration card or utility bill. Depending on your state, you will be required to provide any combination of the aforementioned documents, in addition to other documents and information. You will also need to keep in mind that it may take several weeks to obtain your replacement license, as mail can often be delayed or unreliable.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Finally, you can replace your lost or stolen license at your local DMV or licensing office. You will be required to bring all the documents previously mentioned as proof of identification and residency. If you are uncomfortable mailing these important documents to the DMV, then an in-person visit is more secure. However, you may need to reschedule an appointment if you forget your passport, citizenship certificate, car title or any other documents that you are using as proof of identification or residency. Additionally, if you make any mistakes on your form, you will not be able to receive your replacement license or ID the same day you apply for it at the DMV.
Any Wisconsin driver with a lost drivers license must seek to replace it immediately through one of the methods offered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Replacing drivers license documents quickly can protect you from being ticketed for driving without a license and also guard against identity theft via fraudulent use of your drivers license. However, there are several reasons why you may need a duplicate copy of your driving credentials. For instance, you may still possess your card but it is damaged beyond recognition. For a Wisconsin drivers license to be valid, it must be in good repair with the cardholder’s identifying details and photo legible as well as up to date. You may need to obtain a replacement copy if the information on your card is obsolete.
Find Assistance With Replacing Your Drivers License
You may replace drivers license credentials in WI in person or online and by mail if temporarily living elsewhere. Each replacement method will require you to submit information or forms as well as payment for the duplicate card. Continue reading to learn how to replace drivers license documents in WI including how to obtain a copy if you are temporarily living out-of-state.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Wisconsin?
A replacement drivers license in Wisconsin is required anytime your card is missing, marred or outdated. The reason for the drivers license replacement may affect the method in which you may request a copy of the documentation you will need to furnish. You may need several replacement cards over your lifetime, as there are multiple occurrences that call for new credentials.
You should apply for a WI drivers license replacement if your license has physical damage that blocks important text or your photograph. Most Wisconsin residents are eligible to get a drivers license copy online for these circumstances. However, if you are applying for a copy for other reasons, such as a name change, a gender reassignment, a birth date correction or an upgrade to a REAL-ID, then you must apply for it in person at a DMV customer service center.
Note: Drivers license renewals are different from replacements, as a replacement will have the same expiration as the lost or damaged credential.
How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Wisconsin
To apply for a drivers license copy online in Wisconsin, you must meet certain requirements. First, your current WI license must not be expired or within 30 days of the expiration date. Additionally, your Wisconsin drivers license cannot be suspended, revoked or canceled by WI or any other state.
Other qualifications to apply for a Wisconsin drivers license copy online include being a U.S. citizen with a current photo on file with the DMV. You also must not have applied for a duplicate drivers license four times online within the past year and have a Social Security Number on file that has been verified via Social Security Online Verification (SSOLV). Furthermore, you must be 18 years of age or older unless you have completed an approved driver education course.
If you fit the conditions for replacing drivers license in WI online, then make sure you have the following things ready to apply:
- WI drivers license number plus the last four digits or your Social Security Number or your full Social Security Number if your drivers license number is unavailable
- Date of birth
- Zip Code
- An adult sponsorship if you are younger than 18 years of age
- Valid credit or debit card to cover the fee payment and service charge
Upon completion of the online application for a WI DMV duplicate drivers license, you will receive a receipt with your photo. You must print this receipt and use it for identification, driving and voting purposes until your permanent copy of drivers license credentials arrives via USPS mail within 10 days.
How to Replace Your Wisconsin Drivers License in Person
If you are wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license in Wisconsin in person?” then check out this list of DMV locations in WI. Like the online option, you will need to fill out a replacement drivers license form, which is available online and can be printed out to complete before your visit to the DMV. If you prefer, then you can wait until your DMV visit to get a copy of the form.
When you go in person to replace lost drivers license credentials, make sure you bring your proof of identity, your Social Security card and fee payment. Legal presence documentation is also an essential component to get copy of drivers license in Wisconsin for non-citizen applicants. If you are applying for a name correction or address change on your drivers license, then you will need additional documents establishing evidence of the modifications.
Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Wisconsin
You may be able to request a Wisconsin drivers license copy online if you need to replace documents from an out-of-state location. Eligibility for an out-of-state online drivers license replacement is limited to U.S. citizens who have a valid photo and a verified Social Security Number on file with the DMV in WI.
Other out-of-state WI residents may be eligible to apply by mail for a WI copy of drivers license credentials by mailing the application with your temporary mailing address indicated in the “Mailing Address” field on the form. Include payment for the WI duplicate drivers license fee with a check or money order made payable to Registration Fee Trust. You will need to send everything to the DMV address in Madison. Mailing options include first class mail or overnight if it is a priority request.
Wisconsin Drivers License Replacement Fees
The fee to replace drivers license in Wisconsin costs will be the same whether ordered online, in person or by mail. However, the cost will vary by driving class as well as if you plan on renewing your credentials. A duplicate regular drivers license costs $14 in Wisconsin. Other types of licenses may cost more.
Get Assistance With Replacing Your Drivers License
An additional service fee is charged for credit card payments when the online system is utilized.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Lost or stolen driver license or identification (ID) card from WisconsinDOT.gov