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Reinstate a revoked or suspended driver license

Check your driver's license status to know if your license is valid, disqualified (CDL holders), suspended or revoked. You will need your Social Security number and birth date. Check your eligibility for reinstatement to determine what conditions, if any, need to be met for reinstatement.

The difference between a revocation and a suspension:

A revocation or suspension have basically the same affect on the privilege to drive in Wisconsin. The real differences between the two are the penalties for being convicted of driving while suspended or revoked and the requirements for reinstatement.

A first offense of driving after revocation can be either a criminal or civil offense, depending on the reason the operating privilege is revoked. Second and subsequent charges of driving after revocation are criminal charges. Penalties for convictions of criminal charges can include jail time. Driving while suspended is a civil charge. Penalties for convictions of civil charges do not include jail time.

To reinstate a suspended Wisconsin driving privilege, filing proof of insurance is not required except for suspensions under the safety responsibility and damage judgment laws.

To reinstate a revoked Wisconsin driving privilege, a person must file proof of insurance (SR22 form) in all cases, except for the first offense of operating while intoxicated and for all noncompliance (interview/arrest/driver safety plan) revocations.

Check online if you are required to file proof of insurance, for how long you are required to file and whether or not we have acceptable insurance on file.

Wisconsin residents:

• How to reinstate after suspension or revocation

Out of state residents:

• How to reinstate after suspension or revocation

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-2261

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

Last modified: August 30, 2011
BDS/DIS