Driver licenses now mailed - Wisconsin Department of Transportation

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Summary of major legislation

Mailing Wisconsin driver licenses and identification (ID) cards

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will begin to phase in the "central issuance" of all driver licenses and ID cards in 2012.

What does central issuance mean?

Starting in the spring of 2012, all products will be mailed from one production facility. This is being done for two reasons:

REAL ID, the federal law that goes into effect next year, requires substantial changes in security features on the card and in facilities that produce cards. Wisconsin cannot meet these requirements in our current over-the-counter environment.
Mailing all products helps prevent and detect fraud and identity theft by requiring a valid address and allowing extra security precautions to be taken prior to issuing the actual product. Delivery by mail is consistent with other documents, such as credit cards, car titles, birth certificates, and passports.

How long will it be before I get my permanent card in the mail?

You should receive your driver license or ID within 10 business days. All undeliverable mail will be returned to DMV.

Will I be issued a temporary license or ID card?

Paper receipt example now provided by the Wisconsin DMV

Customers will leave the DMV service center with a paper receipt that is valid for 45 days. The receipt, including your photo, is acceptable photo identification for voting and serves as your license or ID until your card arrives in the mail. Customers who are renewing an existing license or ID card will also leave the DMV service center with their expired (or soon to be expired) card, invalidated with a hole punch by the DMV processor.

Please note that the receipt is not acceptable as proof of identity for a Social Security Number replacement card. If you want to request a Social Security Number replacement card, please wait for your license or ID card to arrive in the mail before visiting a Social Security office.

Will the new driver license and ID cards look different?

New drivers license sample being provided by the Wisconsin DMV

Previously issued Wisconsin drivers license

Yes, as part of the central issuance process, Wisconsin driver licenses and ID cards have been redesigned - see new look/security features brochure (2.7 MB). The background security design line work will look different, and will include an image of the Wisconsin State Capitol. In addition to the primary portrait, there will be two "ghost images," one color and one laser-engraved. The back of the products will again include a 2D bar code with printed data from the front of the card, and the writable surface for an anatomical gift statement is still available. A sample of the new style license is shown here at the left.

Beginning the spring of 2012 DMV service centers will begin to phase in the new style licenses and ID cards. Until all service centers have been converted, customers may continue to receive the current style license or ID card. A sample is shown here at the left.

Additional images of licenses and ID cards

2012

2005

1997

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-2353