How To Do a Wisconsin DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Wisconsin then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Wisconsin DMV change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and an update to your vehicle’s registration documents, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Wisconsin requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 60 days of establishing residency in the state, there really isn’t a whole lot of time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your Wisconsin DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to your local Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office to get started.

If You’re Moving to Wisconsin from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if you’re moving to Wisconsin from another state?

Yes, unless you are a student who will not be permanently moving to the state or an active member of the U.S. military (or a dependent of either).

How do you get a new driver’s license in Wisconsin?

To get a Wisconsin driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Division of Motor Vehicles customer service center in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a Wisconsin DMV change of address online or over the phone as a new resident. Search by location to find your nearest WI DMV.

Per the rules in most states, expect that a Wisconsin driver’s license for a new resident to the state is only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the Wisconsin DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office:

• • Proof of name and date of birth (examples: birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship)
  • Proof of current Wisconsin residency (examples: utility bill, credit card statement, voter registration card)
  • Proof of social security (examples: social security card or W-2 tax form)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (examples: birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship)
  • Wisconsin Driver License Application, Form MV3001 (complete this in advance to save yourself some time at the DMV)

  Documents must be original, and no photocopies will be accepted.

  Note that if your name on your primary proof of identity does not match the name on your current proof of identity then you will also have to bring along proof of a legal name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

  Find out more about required documents here.

  Does a Wisconsin DMV change of address require a driving test?

  No, so long as you have held a valid driver’s license in the last eight years. However, you will be required to take a vision test and a hearing test.

  Is there a fee?

  Yes. The cost for a new non-commercial driver’s license in Wisconsin is $34 for an eight year license. See the license fees page for more information.

  How long do you have to get a Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card?

  You are required to complete your Wisconsin DMV change of address within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

  So how do you know if you’re officially a resident of Wisconsin? Head to a WI Division of Motor Vehicles office if you plan to:

  • • Live in Wisconsin for at least 6 months out of the year
    • Register to vote in Wisconsin
    • Work in Wisconsin
    • Run a business out of Wisconsin
    • Send your children to school in Wisconsin

    Do you need to register your out-of-state vehicle?

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Wisconsin requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle immediately upon establishing yourself as a resident, so make sure this to-do is at the top of your list.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Wisconsin?

    Fortunately, you have a number of different options for registering your vehicle as a new Wisconsin resident:

    • • Send materials by mail. Gather the documents below and send them to: WisDOT, P.O. Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707-7949
      • Visit your local DMV Customer Service Center. Just make sure they offer vehicle registration services first.
      • Visit a DMV Temporary License Plate Agent. See a list of locations here.
      • Visit a DMV title-registration service provider. See a list of locations here.

      Note that you may face a service fee of $3 to $10 in addition to registration and title fees depending on where you go. Registering your vehicle by mail does not incur a service fee.

      Regardless of how you go about it, here are the documents you’ll need to provide:

      • • The vehicle title or registration card from your previous state of residence
        • Completed and signed Title/License Plate Application (MV1)
        • Proof of identity, if applying in person

        You will also need proof of sales tax paid to your former state of residence if you have owned your vehicle for less than 90 days.

        What is the registration fee?

        The fee to register an out of state vehicle in Wisconsin varies depending on your type of vehicle, how you proceed with your registration, and whether you owe an additional wheel tax. You can learn more about registration fees here.

        If You’re Moving Within Wisconsin

        Wisconsin requires that you update your driver’s license within 10 days with your new address when moving within the state. (And no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it.)

        How do you do a Wisconsin change of address?

        You have a couple of options for doing a Wisconsin DMV change of address:

        1. Use the online portal. Head here to complete your Wisconsin DMV change of address online. You’ll need your Wisconsin driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number, your date of birth, and your zip code.

        2. Fill out a change of address form and drop it off by mail. Complete an Address Change Notice (MV3058) and mail it to Division of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 7983, Madison, WI 53707-7983.

        Will Wisconsin issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

        Only if you want one, though you’ll have to go to the DMV in person to obtain it.

        How much does a Wisconsin change of address cost?

        A Wisconsin DMV change of address is free, but if you want a duplicate license with your new address it will cost you $14.

        Do you need to update your address on your vehicle registration?

        How long do you have to update your vehicle registration with your new address?

        Just like with your driver’s license, you’ll have 10 days to update your address on your vehicle registration. Fortunately, it’ll update simultaneously when you update your driver’s license.

        If You’re Moving From Wisconsin to Another State

        Do you need to notify the state of Wisconsin if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

        No. Once you obtain your license in your new state of residence Wisconsin will automatically cancel your WI driver’s license, so there is nothing extra for you to do on your part.

        Do you need to notify the state of Wisconsin if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

        Do you need to return your Wisconsin license plates?

        Nope, you can hold on to them.

        Have any questions?

        If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Wisconsin, contact the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles directly at (608) 264-7447

        You can also reach out by email at [email protected].

        If you are going to be contacting the DMV, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready.

        Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Wisconsin?

        We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Wisconsin move will cost, and happy moving.