Getting a Wisconsin driver license with an out-of-state license

Teen drivers who move to Wisconsin from another state must provide proof of driver education completion. DMV staff will review your completion paperwork and determine if additional training is needed in Wisconsin. One road test is allowed on a valid or expired (less than one year) out-of-state learner’s permit at the age of 16. You will need to go to a DMV to schedule the road test.

Teen drivers without proof of driver education completion in previous state must complete step-by-step instructions on our Teen Driver page.

What to bring to the DMV

• Driver education completion paperwork. If you haven’t completed driver education, you must complete step-by-step instructions on our Teen Driver page
• Complete Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001)
• Must be signed by a parent, step-parent or other adult sponsor, or under certain circumstances file proof of insurance
• You must be enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program, have graduated from high school or have been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or be enrolled in a home-based private education program, and not be a habitual truant
• You will need to bring the following documents
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity (one of which can be your out-of-state learner's permit)
• Two proofs of Wisconsin residency (parent or guardian may present their Wisconsin driver license or ID card as your proof of residency)
• Provide your Social Security number (you can fulfill your proof of identity requirement by presenting your Social Security card)
• If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin
• Pay the appropriate driver licensing fees to obtain either an instruction permit or a probationary license upon passing a road test

What to expect at the DMV

• You will have your photo taken
• You will need to pass a vision test
• If you are applying for an instruction permit, you will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your instruction permit will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt
• Your instruction permit will be valid for 18 months but can be renewed if additional time is needed to practice or complete the requirements necessary to get a probationary license

Find your closest DMV Service Center

Teen drivers who move to Wisconsin from another state and already have a driver license in that state, can apply for a Wisconsin probationary license.

What to bring to the DMV

• Complete Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001)
• Must be signed by a parent, step-parent or other adult sponsor, or under certain circumstances file proof of insurance
• You must be enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program, have graduated from high school or have been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or be enrolled in a home-based private education program, and not be a habitual truant
• You will need to bring the following documents
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity (one of which can be your out-of-state driver license)
• Two proofs of Wisconsin residency (parent or guardian may present their Wisconsin driver license or ID card as your proof of residency)
• Proof of Driver Ed course completion, including both classroom and behind-the-wheel training from former state
• If you have not completed an approved Driver Ed course, you must enroll in an approved course in Wisconsin and get a Wisconsin Instruction Permit
• Provide your Social Security number (you can fulfill your proof of identity requirement by presenting your Social Security card)
• If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin
• Pay the appropriate driver licensing fees to obtain a probationary license

What to expect at the DMV

• You will have your photo taken
• You will need to pass a vision test
• You will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your probationary license will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt

Find your closest DMV Service Center

• If you hold a valid (or expired less than 8 years) license from another state, you can apply for a Wisconsin driver license.
• If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin.

What to bring to the DMV

• A Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001) using the Interactive Driver License Guide
• If unable to use the interactive driver licensing guide, you may download and complete the Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001)
• You will need to bring the following documents
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity (one of which can be your out-of-state driver license)
• Two proofs of Wisconsin residency (parent or guardian may present their Wisconsin driver license or ID card as your proof of residency)
• Provide your Social Security number (you can fulfill your proof of identity requirement by presenting your Social Security card)
• If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin
• Pay the appropriate driver licensing fees

What to expect at the DMV

• You will have your photo taken
• You will need to pass a vision test (and hearing screening for CDL)
• If you have not held a valid driver license in more than 8 years, you will need to pass a knowledge test, signs test and a road test.
• You may be issued a probationary driver license if:
• Your out-of-state driver license has been expired more than 6 months OR
• You are under 21 years old OR
• You have less than three years of licensed driving experience
• You will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your license will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt

Find your closest DMV Service Center

If you previously held a Wisconsin driver license and are returning, you may be eligible to replace or renew your former WI driver license.

The Interactive driver License Guide can help you determine what is needed.

If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin.

What to bring to the DMV

• A Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001) using the Interactive Driver License Guide
• If unable to use the interactive driver licensing guide, you may download and complete the Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001)
• Your out-of-state driver license
• If you no longer have your out-of-state driver license, you must bring in proof of identity
• Proof of name change if different than previous WI driver license
• The appropriate driver licensing fees

What to expect at the DMV

• You will have your photo taken
• You may need to pass a vision test (and hearing screening for CDL)
• If you have not held a valid driver license in more than 8 years, you will need to pass a knowledge test, signs test and a road test
• You may be issued a probationary driver license if:
• Your out-of-state driver license has been expired more than 6 months OR
• You are under 21 years old OR
• You have less than three years of licensed driving experience
• You will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your license will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt

​ Find your closest DMV Service Center

If you were convicted in another state of a serious driving offense, such as:

• Operating While Intoxicated
• Reckless Driving
• Attempting to Elude an Officer
• Other convictions under Wisconsin Statute 341.31

Wisconsin DMV must obtain conviction information regarding the serious offense from the state where the offense occurred. If you are unsure if your conviction is a serious driving offense, a DMV agent will be able to assist you when you apply in-person.

If you have been previously convicted of a serious driving offense, you may be required to provide proof of insurance under the Safety Responsibility law.

If you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense in another state within the last four years, you must provide proof that you are following the assessment and/or treatment plan ordered by the other state. Even if you have completed your program and have a valid license in another state, you must provide this proof.

• Do I have to take a road test?
• If you have not held a valid driver license in more than 8 years, you will need to pass a knowledge test, highway sign recognition test and a driving road test.

• I have a REAL ID in my previous state, will I get a Real ID in Wisconsin?
• No. You will need to present all acceptable documents to Wisconsin. For more information visit the REAL ID webpage.

• Can I apply online to obtain my WI Driver License or ID?
• You must appear in person at a Wisconsin DMV customer service center.

• Can I make an appointment and what documents do I need to bring with me?
• Yes, an appointment is recommended but not required. For faster service, you can complete the application online, submit it electronically and make an appointment using the Interactive Driver License or ID Card Guide. The guide will provide you with a checklist of required documents and fees you must bring to the DMV.

• My out of state driver license is expired, does that matter?
• An expired (8 years or less) driver license or ID card can be used as a proof of identity document under the DMV’s list of acceptable documents needed to apply for a WI driver license or ID card.
• If your out-of-state driver license is expired more than 8 years you will need to retake all tests.

• What if I have a medical condition that may affect my ability to drive a vehicle?
• You may be required to take a road test. For example, drivers missing a limb will be required to take a road test (known as a 'special exam') if they have not previously passed a road test after the limb was lost. Drivers with other physical or medical conditions will also be required to take appropriate tests.

• See Visitors from a foreign country who wish to drive in Wisconsin
• Foreign driver license reciprocity (France, Germany and the Republic of Korea)