Whether it’s to explore the beautiful glacial lakes and forests or rich farmland, Wisconsin is definitely an amazing place to settle in. If you’re amongst those planning to either seek employment or enjoy the state’s beauty, you first need to get done with all the formalities related to your move.
One of the many important formalities that you need to take care of is updating your license and changing the address on your vehicle. These tasks are time-bound and so you need to prioritize them on your moving checklist. Let’s get you prepared to update all your documents on time. Go ahead and dive right in to know everything in a detailed and simple manner.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving To Wisconsin From Another State
You have a good amount of time to complete the formalities as the state of Wisconsin gives you 60 days from your move to notify the Wisconsin Department Of Transportation about your change of address. As of now at least, there aren’t any online or over-the-phone alternatives available wherein you can get a new driver’s license in Wisconsin. You’ll have to go to WisDOT in person to apply for a new license.
1. Apply For A Change Of Address (Getting A New License)
As mentioned before, you have 60 days of your move to change the address on your driver’s license. That’s why we suggest you adjust your timeline accordingly. To save yourself some time at the office, you can fill out and print the application form at home and book an appointment in advance.
You will need to carry the required documents given below:
- Your current out-of-state driver’s license.
- Completed license application form.
- Proof of identification and date of birth (US passport or birth certificate would work).
- Proof of your Wisconsin legal residence.
- Proof of your Social Security Number.
As long as your current out-of-state license is not expired, you may not have to give a written test or a road test. However, you will have to pass a vision and hearing test. But if your current out-of-state license is expired, you’ll have to give all three tests. Speaking of people who have not had a driver’s exam in the past eight years, they will have to take a driving test, knowledge test, highway sign recognition test, and a road test.
Do keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a license fee of around $34. If you have an electric vehicle, then you may have to pay an additional fee of around $100. You can check the state’s official website for further information on the fees.
2. Register Your Vehicle In Wisconsin
Just like the time period to get your Wisconsin driver’s license within 60 days of your move, you have the exact same time period to get your vehicle registered as well. You will have to go to your nearest Wisconsin DMV customer care center in person in order to get your vehicle registered.
Do keep in mind that you’ll need a valid Wisconsin driver’s license before you can apply for your vehicle registration. Make sure that you arrange all the following necessary documents handy when you are registering your vehicle at the Wisconsin DMV office:
- Your completed application for title and registration.
- Your current out-of-state title.
- Your license plates from the previous state.
- Proof of valid insurance.
- Your valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Wisconsin?
No, you don’t need a proof of insurance to register a car in Wisconsin. But you will need it in case it’s required for the reinstatement of your driver’s license after a suspension or revocation or if the DMV demands it for any purpose.
Can you update your Wisconsin DMV change of address online?
Yes, you can change your address online as Wisconsin DOT offers you an online registration platform renewal.
Can you drive with a foreign driver’s license in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can drive with a foreign driver’s license in Wisconsin only if:
- You are 16 years old.
- Your foreign driver’s license is not suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified.
Also See: Moving to Wisconsin – Relocation Guide | How Much Does it Cost to Move Interstate
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Wisconsin
As a resident of Wisconsin, you have only a period of 10 days to get your driver’s license updated with your change in address. That’s why you need to keep this task on your priority list to avoid any unnecessary delays or tensions. Now that you know that time is of the essence here, let’s prepare you with everything you need to know.
Fortunately, you have three alternatives to update or address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration in Wisconsin. You can either do it through Wisconsin’s online form or you can just ring them up and inform them about your change in address. Another alternative is to visit the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles office near you and submit your change in address form in person. Choose an option that is convenient for you.
1. Online
Now that the internet has made it easier for us to use technology, you can make the most of it. That means you can use it to get your driver’s license updated as well. Just go and check Wisconsin’s official website and fill out the required form.
There is also the option of getting a duplicate driver’s license. If at all you order a duplicate license, you will be charged around $14.
Make sure that you have the following documents ready, as you will need them to change your address on your Wisconsin’s driver’s license:
- Your current Wisconsin driver’s license number.
- Social Security Number (last four digits).
- Your name as it appears on the official document.
- Your date of birth.
To update your registration:
Just like the time period for updating your driver’s license, you have only 10 days to get your address changed on your vehicle registration after you move within Wisconsin. You can either complete the process online or do it in person at the Wisconsin DMV office. Make sure that you keep the following documents ready for updating your vehicle registration:
- Your current Wisconsin driver’s license.
- Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Your license plate number.
Good to know: If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and are eligible, you can update your address or apply for a new replacement license online. In case you’re not eligible, you’ll have to visit a DMV customer service center to update or get a replacement but only within 10 days of your move. Make sure you carry your proof of identity and pay the basic required fees.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Wisconsin?
It should take around 10 business days for you to get your driver’s license in Wisconsin via mail. If at all the mail is not delivered, it will go back to the Wisconsin DMV office.
2. Over Call
Another alternative available for you to update your address on your Wisconsin driver’s license is over a call. All you have to do is call the Wisconsin DMV office and inform them about your change in address. You can contact them at:
(608)-266-2353
Do keep in mind that their working hours are from Monday to Friday during normal business hours.
3. In Person
If you like doing things in the old-fashioned way or you want to be there to make sure your work is done properly, this is another alternative for you. You can visit the Wisconsin DMV office and fill the change of address form.
4. By Mail
There is another alternative of getting your address updated on your Wisconsin driver’s license by mail. You just need to mail your change of address to the following address:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7917
Madison, WI 53707-7917
Note: The WisDOT does not recommend you to email your change of address because of privacy concerns. If you want, you can email the information to the Bureau of Driver Services.
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When You’re Moving Out Of Wisconsin
When you’re moving to a new state, you already have lots of things to take care of. Fortunately, one thing that you can definitely tick off your checklist is notifying the Wisconsin DMV about your move to another state. You are not obliged to inform them even if your car is registered in Wisconsin. Speaking of your Wisconsin driver’s license, the state will automatically cancel it once you get your license from your new state of residence. The state doesn’t even require you to surrender your number plates. You can put them in an aluminum recycling bin in your local recycling center.
Note: You will not be refunded your unused registration by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
How To Contact The Wisconsin DMV?
Website: wisconsindot.gov
Phone: (608) 264-7447
Operational Hours: Monday-Friday (7:45 am – 4:30 pm)
Conclusion
It’s good if you keep all of your important documents updated rather than stressing yourself at the last minute. You never know when these documents will come in handy and save your day. For example, your driver’s license is not just to help you drive on the roads. It is a very important document for several other purposes and that’s why you need to keep it updated. Now that you know everything about how you can update your driver’s license and vehicle registration whether you’re moving to or from or within Wisconsin, choose whichever alternative is convenient for you and get done with it.
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