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Out of state driver license and ID card renewals

If you are a Wisconsin resident, temporarily out-of-state, and need to renew your driver license or identification card, you may do so by mail. You must be a U.S. citizen who has a valid Social Security number on file with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Non-U.S. citizens cannot apply by mail and MUST appear at a DMV service center to apply.

You can renew your regular license up to one (1) year prior to its expiration date. You can renew your probationary license up to 90 days prior to its expiration date. Your license cannot be expired for more than eight (8) years and cannot be a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Hazardous (H) or School Bus (S) endorsement.

You can renew your identification (ID) card up to one year prior to its expiration date.

Please note we will be unable to process your renewal request if any of the following apply:

• Your most recent Wisconsin license was "Valid Without Photo."
• A prior license or ID card renewal has been processed for you through the mail or using our online service.

Driver license renewal

Complete a Wisconsin Driver License application (form MV3001) (561 KB). Record your temporary out of state address in the field labeled “Mailing Address”. You must also complete a Certificate of Vision Examination by Competent Authority (form MV3030V) . Incomplete forms will be returned; please note that the "temporal field of vision in degrees" portion of the MV3030V must be completed.

If you are renewing a CDL, you will also have to comply with the new self certification requirements. If you have not already self certified to the DMV where you operate commercially, you can easily do this online. If you want to print a form and include it with your application materials instead of certifying online, complete form MV3230 and include it with the other documentation. If you have a Federal Medical Examiner Certificate (Fed Med card), please include a copy of it with your application materials.

Identification card renewal

Complete a Wisconsin Identification Card application (form MV3004) (404 KB). Record your temporary out of state address in the field labeled "Mailing Address".

Additional information for all out of state applicants

You must fill out all sections of the application completely or it will be returned to you and we will be unable to complete your renewal.

You will need to include with your application materials the following documentation. Please do not send original documents--photo copies are acceptable. If this documentation is not included with your application we will be unable to complete your renewal.

• A letter stating when you left Wisconsin, when you will return to Wisconsin and why you are temporarily out of state. Also include in the letter your temporary, out-of-state mailing address and your telephone number or email address, should we need to contact you regarding your renewal request.

• A photo copy of a document, listing your name and current Wisconsin address, to provide proof of your residency, such as:

  • A utility bill for water, gas, electricity or landline telephone service issued within the last 90 days. Cable or similar bundles of services that include landline telephone service is included in this category.
  • Cell phone bills issued in the last 90 days.
  • An account statement from a bank/financial institution or brokerage house issued within the last 90 days. This includes savings, checking, money market and brokerage accounts.
  • Deed/title, mortgage, rental/lease agreement for Wisconsin property (lease must include landlord's name and phone number).
  • Current valid homeowner's, renter's or motor vehicle insurance policy dated within one year of application.
  • Government-issued correspondence or product issued from a federal, state, county or city agency (issued within the last year). Not acceptable are the Quest and Forward card.
  • Valid Wisconsin hunting or fishing license.
• A photo copy of a document to provide proof of your identity, such as:
• A valid (or expired less than eight years) WI driver license.
• A valid (or expired less than eight years) WI ID card.
• Certified copy of a Marriage Certificate or Judgment of Divorce.
• Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration.
• TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card).
• A valid photo college ID card from any U.S. university, college or technical college. (must contain student’s name and photograph).
• If you renew your driver license after its expiration date, add a $5 late fee to your renewal.
• Mail the completed forms, documentation and a check or money order made payable to "Registration Fee Trust" for the appropriate renewal fee, to the chosen delivery option below. Note that if you want to get your renewal as soon as possible, send your application materials using overnight or priority delivery to DMV to reduce the mailing time to our office.

Once processed, your renewal will be sent to you by first class mail delivery to the out of state address indicated on your application.

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 264-7049

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: March 9, 2012
BDS/QIS/DRE