Driver Licenses and Wisconsin Identification Cards

Procedures for F-1 and J-1 Students and their dependents

This page should give you helpful information specific to your F-1 or J-1 student status in the U.S. regarding Wisconsin Driver Licenses and Identification Cards (IDs).  Complete information regarding this is located on-line at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/index.htm.

General Advice

• The closest Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to campus is located at 4802 Sheboygan Ave.
• Please note:  If you are in the U.S. for less than a year and you have a valid operator’s license issued by a country that signed either the 1943 regulation of inter-American automotive traffic or the 1949 Geneva Convention on road traffic, you may drive legally on that license.  If you are in the U.S. for longer or do not have a valid operator’s license issued by a country referenced above, you may wish to apply for a Wisconsin driver license.  For more information regarding this please see:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/foreign.htm.
• International students who are in Wisconsin for more than twelve months and plan to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin, must obtain a Wisconsin license.
• Special Notes: 
  • Canadian students have some special circumstances to consider.  If you already have a valid driver license from any province in Canada, you cannot obtain a Wisconsin ID.  If you wish to declare Wisconsin residency, you should apply for a Wisconsin driver license within 60 days of moving to Wisconsin.
    • If you have a valid driver license from any province in Canada or any other state in the U.S., you cannot obtain a Wisconsin ID, as those documents show you are a resident of someplace else.

Application

• When applying for either a Wisconsin Driver License or an Identification Card, you must complete the following application MV 3001:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/forms/mv3001.pdf. 
  • On this form there is a space to list a social security number (SSN). 
    • If you have a SSN, please list it there. 
    • If you do not have a SSN, when you apply the person will ask you whether or not you qualify.  Remember, you only qualify for a SSN if you are legally employed.  You should know if you are eligible for a SSN before you go to the DMV.  Please inquire at ISS if you have any questions. 
      • If you do qualify for a SSN, you must have a social security number.  Please seek assistance from ISS if you need help with the process. 
      • If you do not qualify for a SSN, they will continue the process of reviewing your application. 
    • Also on this form, it asks you to choose one of the following categories:  U.S. Citizen, Permanent or Conditional Permanent Resident or Temporary Visitor.  If you are here in F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 status, you are considered a temporary visitor
• After your application is reviewed, they will ask to see the following:
  • For F-1 students and F-2 dependents
  • Valid Passport
  • I-94 marked D/S
  • Visa marked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison or another item to verify residency (see http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/doc/proof-resident.htm for a full list of acceptable residency documentation)
  • For J-1 students and J-2 dependents
  • Valid Passport
  • I-94 marked D/S
  • DS-2019, to note the expiration date in section 3.
  • J-1 students and their dependents are subject to the minimum stay requirements of:  1 year with at least 6 months remaining (for a driver license) or 6 months with at least 3 months remaining (for an ID card

• Upon presenting acceptable documents, you will have to take a vision test, a written test, and a practical test of your driving skills.
• Current fees for these services can be found on the DMV’s website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/driver-fees.htm.

Expiration

• For F-1 students and F-2 dependents
  • Expiration dates for original license are normally 2 years from your next birthday.
  • ID cards are valid for 4 years from your next birthday.
• For J-1 students and J-2 dependents
  • Expiration date for your original license/ID will match the expiration date of your DS-2019, but no longer than 2 years (for a license) or 4 years (for an ID) from your next birthday.
• If you need to renew your license or ID, please see at:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/renew/index.htm.