Wisconsin Court Records
- Search By:
- Name
- Case Number
WisconsinCourtRecords.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on WisconsinCourtRecords.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

How to Get Your License Back After a DWI in Wisconsin
The official term for Driving Under the Influence in Wisconsin is Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Wisconsin Statutes § 346.63 defines OWI as the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, a controlled substance, or a combination of both to the extent that renders the person incapable of safe driving. A Wisconsin OWI violation is either a civil offense, misdemeanor, or felony (depending on the number of previous violations) that leads to automatic administrative suspension by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and jail time upon conviction.
Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension
The types of license suspension for OWI violations in Wisconsin generally depend on the nature of the offense. An OWI offense in Wisconsin may result in:
- Administrative license suspension (pre-conviction)
- Administrative license revocation (test refusal)
- Judicial revocation (post-conviction)
- Occupational license restriction
- Permanent license revocation.
Type of License Suspension | Cause | Duration of suspension |
---|---|---|
Administrative suspension | BAC level of 0.08% or higher | 6 months for a first offense |
Administrative revocation | Refusing to take a BAC test | 1 to 3 years |
Judicial revocation | OWI conviction | 6 months to lifetime |
Occupational license restriction | During license suspension or revocation | 12 hours per day/60 hours per week (for eligible offenders) |
Permanent revocation | Fatal OWI violation or serious repeat offense | Lifetime, but in rare cases, may be reinstated after 10 years. |
In Wisconsin, persons serving license suspensions for OWI violations may have their license reinstated after the suspension period elapses (unless it is a permanent suspension). However, during the suspension periods, eligible offenders may apply for Occupational Licenses to commute to work, school, or court-ordered appointments. The following waiting period applies to Occupational Licenses during suspension for various OWI offenses in Wisconsin:
- First OWI conviction - no waiting period, offenders may apply for an Occupational License immediately after the suspension starts.
- Second OWI conviction - 45 days after suspension begins
- Third or subsequent OWI conviction - 90 days after license revocation begins
- First test refusal - 30 days after the suspension becomes effective
- Second test refusal within 5 yrs - 90 days
- Third or more refusal - 120 days.
Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and a court-ordered suspension differ but may overlap. A WisDOT-ordered suspension occurs automatically for a failed OWI test or the refusal to take one. Beyond suspensions, WisDOT enforces SR-22 insurance and installation of Ignition Interlock Devices. Failure to meet WisDOT requirements may delay license reinstatement even if the offender meets court-imposed conditions.
On the other hand, court-imposed suspensions are typically longer than WisDOT suspensions. In addition to license suspension or revocation, the court may impose penalties which may include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Community service
- Alcohol or drug assessments
- Mandatory DWI education or treatment programs
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
The court also determines the length of license revocation, which may range from 6 months to several years, depending on the number of previous offenses. Both WisDOT suspension and court-imposed penalties define driving status after OWI violations in Wisconsin.
Step 3: Complete a DWI Education or Treatment Program
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the courts may order education programs for OWI violations within the state. In Wisconsin, several state-approved education and treatment programs are available for OWI offenders: these OWI programs are ordered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the courts, or both. The table below outlines the various alcohol and treatment programs in Wisconsin, as well as their average costs, duration, and enrollment requirements.
OWI Education Program | Imposed By | Enrollment Requirements | Duration | Average Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Level I Group Dynamics | WisDOT | In-person attendance is required, and offenders generally must use a state-approved provider | 8 to 12 hours | Between $40.00 and $200.00 |
Multiple Offender/Alternative Education | WisDOT | State-approved provider that meets the requirements of Trans 106/DCFS rules | Minimum of 16 hours | $700.00 to $760.00 |
Outpatient Treatment/Counseling | WisDOT/Court | Offenders generally must enroll through court-assigned or WisDOT-approved providers | 3 hours per week for 6 weeks or more | $650.00 to over $1,800.00. |
Failure to submit a certificate of completion of a WisDOT or court-ordered education program may result in additional penalties.
Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent
SR-22s are certificates of responsibility that auto insurance companies file with State Departments of Motor Vehicles on behalf of drivers convicted of OWI or with suspended licenses. Wisconsin requires drivers under suspension, driving without liability insurance, or involved in auto accidents or serious or repeat traffic violations to provide SR-22 certificates.
Wisconsin law typically requires OWI offenders to have SR-22 for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement (offenders may confirm duration online). Filing for SR-22 certificates with insurers in Wisconsin may cost between $15.00 and $35.00. However, yearly premiums may cost between $700.00 and $1,700.00.
Individuals seeking SR-22 certificates should inquire through their local insurance companies about available options. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may choose any of the following: an owner SR-22 for individuals who own motor vehicles, a Non-Owner SR-22 for non-vehicle owners, or an Owner-Operator for individuals who own vehicles and occasionally drive others.
Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees
Reinstating a driver's license after suspension in Wisconsin involves fees whose amount varies with the reason for the loss of driving privilege. The following fees apply to license reinstatement in Wisconsin:
- General reinstatement fee - $60.00
- OWI-related reinstatement fee - $200.00
- Vehicle Registration Reinstatement for Accident Suspensions (if the OWI offense results in an accident) - $50.00.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers several convenient options for fee payments, including cash (in-person payments at WisDOT customer service centers), credit/debit cards, checks, and money orders.
Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application
To make online payments for OWI license reinstatement fees in Wisconsin, visit the WisDOT Reinstate Online Portal. Alternatively, mail the necessary paperwork along with payments (do not send cash through the mail) to:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation DMV Communication Center
P.O. Box 7983,
Madison,
WI 53707-7983.
For in-person payments, complete the Wisconsin Driver License Application MV3001 to reinstate form and submit it along with payment at the nearest WisDOT Center.
What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation may deny a license reinstatement application of the applicant:
- Does not fulfill the conditions for license reinstatement
- Have unpaid fines or fees
- Lacks SR-22 insurance
- Fails to install the Ignition Interlock Device as ordered by the court or WisDOT
- Have pending court or WisDOT actions
- Files an incorrect or incomplete application.
If the Wisconsin Department of Transportation denies an application for license reinstatement, the affected driver should:
- Find out the reasons for the denial
- Resolve any outstanding issues
- Contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for guidance if necessary.
- Reapply for reinstatement after compliance
- Consider an Administrative Review through WisDOT or file an appeal at the local Circuit Court (If Applicable).
Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges
Wisconsin refers to a hardship license as an Occupational License. It allows individuals to drive to work, school, doctor's visits, and court-ordered appointments during specific hours (typically 12 hours per day or 60 hours per week) while under OWI suspension. To be eligible for an Occupational License, the applicant generally must be under temporary license suspension or revocation, the underlying OWI violations generally must not result in serious injuries or lead to a death, and the requester generally must fulfill all other necessary conditions (for example, observing applicable waiting periods and SR-22 filing). Owners of Wisconsin Occupational Licenses typically adhere to approved times and locations and carry the license and route schedule while driving. Failure to comply with license terms may result in revocation and criminal charges.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DWI?
The time it takes to get a license back after suspension in Wisconsin depends on the number of previous violations, the circumstances surrounding the offense, and its outcome (a high BAC, refusing chemical tests, or injuries to others). Generally, offenders get their licenses back at the end of their suspension periods if they fulfill all conditions. The reinstatement eligibility period for a first OWI range between 6 and 9 months. Individuals serving a suspension for a second OWI within 10 years of a previous violation may get their licenses back after 12 to 18 months. While the get back period for a third OWI or higher ranges between 2 and 3 years.
Note that offenders may be eligible for Occupational Licenses within their suspension periods.
