Session 6 – License Renewal and Insurance Requirements
DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL
Your Probationary license will be valid for 2 years from your next birthday. You may renew your Probationary license up to 90 days before it expires. Upon renewal you will be issued a Regular license that will be valid up to 8 years.
MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
No person may operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin unless the owner or operator of the vehicle has liability insurance in effect for the vehicle being operated. One must present proof of insurance (such as a valid insurance card) when requested by a law enforcement officer.
The liability insurance must be issued by an insurer authorized to conduct motor vehicle liability business in Wisconsin if the vehicle is registered in Wisconsin. A driver of a vehicle registered in another State may provide proof from an insurance company in the State where the vehicle is registered.
Insurance coverage and limitations are the responsibility of the driver and owner of the vehicle if the proof of insurance does not list the driver or the specific vehicle being operated.
Law enforcement may request proof of insurance at any traffic stop or crash. Failure to have insurance could result in up to a $500 fine. Failure to have proof of insurance when requested could result in a $10 fine. Any person who fraudulently represents that they carry the required liability insurance or provides fraudulent documents as proof could face fines of up to $5000. You may not be stopped by law enforcement solely for purposes of determining proof of insurance.
Proof of insurance includes, but is not limited to, a valid insurance card showing coverage levels and dates, a valid SR-22 insurance certificate, a letter from an insurance company on company letterhead explaining the benefits, a valid self-insurance certificate issued by the DOT, proof of bond or securities filed with the DOT, proof the vehicle is owned or leased by the US Government, Wisconsin or any other state, or any county or municipality in Wisconsin or any other state.
You are not required to show proof of insurance when you apply for, or renew, your license plates nor when you apply for, or renew, your driver license. You do not have to send insurance information to the DMV unless you are asked for the information. Section 344.61–344.67 Wis. Stats.