Session 2 – The Driver’s License
THE DRIVER LICENSE
Wisconsin is issuing both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses. The cards look similar. The cost for either card is the same. Currently either card is valid for federal purposes. REAL ID-compliant cards meet federal REAL ID requirements.
At some point, a REAL ID document will be required for identification purposes at airports and to enter federal buildings. You will find more information about REAL ID on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) web site www.wisconsindmv.gov.
Requirements
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle on public roadways in Wisconsin is required to have a driver license.
You may obtain a Wisconsin Class D driver license (cars and light trucks) if you:
- Are at least 16 years of age.
- Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal immigration status or legal temporary visitor status in the U.S., such as a:
- certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate;
- valid U.S. passport;
- valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents.
- Note: All documents presented as proof must be original. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- Present proof of your name and date of birth, such as a:
- certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate;
- valid U.S. passport;
- valid foreign passport with federal I-551 or I-94, arrival and departure record.
- Note: Hospital birth certificates, notification of birth registration, or baptismal certificates are not acceptable. Get a certified copy of your birth certificate at the Register of Deeds in the county where you were born. If you were born in Wisconsin, you can contact Vital Records, P. O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701. You will be charged a fee.
- Present proof of your identity, such as a:
- Social Security card with your signature;
- valid Wisconsin or out-of-state ID card with your photograph;
- U.S. Military ID card with your photograph.
- Present proof of your Wisconsin residency, such as a:
- utility bill for water, gas, electricity or land-line telephone service with your name and Wisconsin address;
- bank statement from a Wisconsin bank with your name and Wisconsin address.
- Present proof of your Social Security Number, such as a:
- Social Security Card;
- W-2 form including your name, address and Social Security Number.
- Currently you can provide your Social Security Number without presenting proof of it to apply for a driver license that is not compliant with REAL ID requirements. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must sign a Social Security Number non-eligibility certification statement.
- Note: For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit the Division of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) web site at www.wisconsindmv.gov.
- Are under 18:
- and have successfully completed an approved driver education course.
- and have an adult sponsor (your parent or legal guardian) certify their sponsorship on your application.
- Pass required driver license tests.
- Note: New Wisconsin residents with a license from another state (which is valid or expired less than 8 years) may be able to get a Wisconsin license without taking the knowledge or skills tests. Visit www.wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
- Turn in any driver license and/or identification card issued in another state.
- Are not suspended or revoked in another state.
- Meet the physical and medical requirements for the type of driver license for which you are applying.
- Pay required fees.
Carrying the Driver License and License Replacement
You must carry your license with you while operating a motor vehicle. If your license is lost or stolen, you must obtain a duplicate license. Visit www.wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
Out of State Transfers
If you are under 18 and hold an instruction permit from another state or country, in order to get a probationary license you will be required to meet the same conditions as a Wisconsin resident.
If you surrender a license from another state or country, some of the requirements for
a probationary license may be waived. Visit www.wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
New Wisconsin residents with an out-of state license are required to apply for a Wisconsin driver license within 60 days of becoming a resident of Wisconsin.
Exception: The following people who are non-residents of Wisconsin may drive with a valid license from their home state or country while living in Wisconsin, as long as they are at least 16 years old and their privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin is not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified:
- Members of the Armed Forces on active duty or members of foreign military on temporary duty with the Armed Forces, as well as their spouse and children.
- Students who are here up to one year to further their education. After one year, they must meet the same driver license requirements as a Wisconsin resident.
- Employees of out-of-state companies who are here temporarily to receive or give job instruction, or for other business purposes.
- Foreign tourists who are here for up to one year.