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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 (non-commercial) 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.

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. 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 e-mail address, should we need to contact you regarding your renewal request.
• A document to provide proof of Wisconsin residency and proof of identity (please send photocopies).
• 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.

Last modified: January 24, 2012
BDS/QIS/DRE