To replace a lost Wisconsin driver’s license, you can go to a DMV customer service center—but if you’re a U.S. citizen with a valid ID, you can apply online or by mail. If you’re out of state, you can request your license online. You’ll need proof of identification and $14 for the fee.

Losing your driver’s license can be a big deal. It’s easy to worry about the consequences of driving without a license, an offense that can earn you fines, points on your record, and car insurance premium hikes.

But if you've lost your license in

Wisconsin

, there’s no reason to panic. We're here to guide you through replacing your license as quickly as possible so you can get right back to driving.

How to replace a lost driver’s license in Wisconsin

We’ve all been there once or twice. Your wallet got stolen, or you left your ID on the table at dinner last night. It’s important to get a replacement right away because driving without a license can get you in serious trouble with the authorities. Fortunately, the process is easy!

Replacing a lost Wisconsin license online

Just go online to the

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) website

for information and to apply for a replacement for your lost or stolen license.

You’ll need to provide:

Your Wisconsin driver's license number

Proof of ID via your date of birth and Social Security number (SSN)

Your zip code

Your email

A valid credit card or debit card

To replace your lost Wisconsin license online, you’ll be charged a $14 replacement fee. You’ll receive your license in the mail in two to three weeks.

Replacing a lost Wisconsin driver's license in person

In some cases, replacing a lost license online isn’t an option, or perhaps you prefer to deal with these things in person. Whether or not you’re eligible for the online application, you’ll still need to bring a completed print-out of the

online application

when you go to the DMV office.

It’s also typically faster to replace a lost license in person, so plan a trip to your nearest DMV if time is a major consideration.

Check the Wisconsin DOT website’s

lost or stolen driver license

page for a detailed list of the documents you may need to replace your license based on citizenship and immigration status. In general, you can expect to need:

Proof of identity (e.g., a birth certificate or passport)

Social Security number

Proof of legal presence status in the U.S. (if not a U.S. Citizen)

You can fill out all the necessary paperwork and pay your $14 replacement fee at the DMV, but remember that you’ll still have about a few weeks to wait to receive your license in the mail. In the meantime, you’ll be issued a temporary document so you can get back on the road right away.

Replacing a lost Wisconsin license by mail

U.S. Citizens can apply for a duplicate ID by mail only one time. Next time, you’ll have to go into the DMV Customer Service Center to have an updated photo taken.

You’ll need to:

Complete the application form

Pay the $14 fee by check or money order (no cash) payable to “Registration Fee Trust”

Mail to: WisDOT - Division of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 7995 Madison, WI 53707-7995

Once your application is processed, your card will be sent to you by first-class mail delivery.

What if you lose your Wisconsin license out of state?

If you lose your Wisconsin license while traveling or living out of state, replacing it can be a slightly longer process—but it’s still not impossible.

Start by going online for

information on out-of-state driver's licenses

. If you’re only temporarily out of Wisconsin and have lost or had your ID stolen, you may be eligible to apply for a replacement online.

If you’re not eligible for the online application, you may be able to apply by mail using the instructions listed above. It’s a good idea to avoid applying online unless you need to since you can only do it once.

MORE:

Driving without a license: What are the penalties?

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