If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you may find it difficult to adjust to your new circumstances. Relying on public transportation and rides from friends and family puts you at risk of being late for work. You might even end up stranded when you need to get somewhere in a hurry. Fortunately, the state of Wisconsin provides practical ways to get your license reinstated. While an attorney can provide you with personalized advice for getting your license back, the following overview provides you with the essential details about reinstating a suspended or revoked license.

Suspended Driver’s License

When a Wisconsin driver gets their license suspended, it’s usually due to civil offenses that don’t involve an arrest. Relevant offenses include driving without insurance, failing to pay fees for multiple traffic violations, and failure to pay court fines associated with an at-fault vehicle accident. Under Wisconsin state law, a driver’s license can be suspended for one year or less. However, you may apply for an occupational license for transportation to and from work.

To get the suspension removed, you need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to find out the exact charge. It will determine how long your license will be suspended. If you seek the assistance of an attorney, they will likely suggest securing and maintaining auto insurance. Prepare a letter that contains your name, birth date and driver’s license number requesting reinstatement. You will also have to pay fees to get your license reinstated. You must submit proof of insurance, your letter, and the appropriate fee amount to the DMV before the suspension end date.

Revoked Driver’s License

A revoked license is generally the result of more serious convictions such as operating while intoxicated (OWI). As a result, your driving privileges are essentially canceled, but you can initiate an investigation to get them reinstated. An attorney can advise you if you intend to take this route. Most revocation periods can last more than a year, depending on the severity of the offense.

As with a suspension, Wisconsin requires those with a revoked driver’s license to submit several items for reinstatement. These also include proof of insurance, name, birth date and driver’s license number, your Wisconsin driver’s license number and the appropriate fees. In some cases, insurance may not be required for an OWI. An attorney can offer additional guidance on other situations when insurance proof is not needed.

If you need to get your driver’s license reinstated, see the law office of Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt in Sparta, WI. This local firm stands out because of their friendly and approachable interaction with clients in the Coulee region, Driftless area and throughout Western Wisconsin. If you want to get back behind the wheel, call (608) 269-2400 for a free consultation. You can also visit them online for details about the other legal services they provide.