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343.177343.177Emergency contact information. As part of every application for an original, duplicate, reinstated, reissued, or renewal license or endorsement, the department shall inquire whether the applicant wants to provide emergency contact information, which shall include the emergency contact’s full name, residential address, phone number, and relationship to the applicant. The department shall make available on its Internet site and at each local examining center a separate form on which an applicant may provide emergency contact information. If an applicant provides emergency contact information under this section, the department shall record the information in its file for the person. The department shall provide a method for a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.83 (1) (b), that reasonably identifies a person to electronically request and automatically receive the information recorded in the person’s file under this section. The department may not disclose any information provided by an applicant under this section to any person except the applicant or a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.83 (1) (b), as provided in this section.
343.177 HistoryHistory: 2023 a. 57.
343.18343.18License to be carried; verification of signature.
343.18(1)(1)Every licensee shall have his or her license document in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the license document upon demand from any judge, justice, or traffic officer.
343.18(1m)(1m)A person charged with violating sub. (1) may not be convicted if he or she produces in court or in the office of the arresting officer a license theretofore issued to the licensee and valid at the time of his or her arrest.
343.18(2)(2)For the purpose of verifying the signature on a license, any judge, justice or traffic officer may require the licensee to write the licensee’s signature in the presence of such officer.
343.18(3)(3)
343.18(3)(a)(a) Except as provided in par. (c), any person who violates sub. (1) shall forfeit not more than $200.
343.18(3)(c)(c) If the person is operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation, any person who violates sub. (1) shall forfeit not less than $250 nor more than $2,500.
343.18 HistoryHistory: 1989 a. 105; 1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 84; 2015 a. 77.
343.18 AnnotationThere is a public interest in permitting police to request a motorist’s license and to run a status check on the license. State v. Ellenbecker, 159 Wis. 2d 91, 464 N.W.2d 427 (Ct. App. 1990).
343.18 AnnotationUnder Ellenbecker, 159 Wis. 2d 91 (1990), it was reasonable for an officer who stopped a motorist whose vehicle and general appearance matched that of a criminal suspect to make a report of the incident, even if the officer had already decided that the driver was not the suspect. For that purpose, it was reasonable to ask for the motorist’s name and identification. Once the motorist stated that he had no identification, there was reasonable grounds for further detention. State v. Williams, 2002 WI App 306, 258 Wis. 2d 395, 655 N.W.2d 462, 02-0384.
343.19343.19Duplicate licenses or identification cards.
343.19(1)(1)If a license issued under this chapter or an identification card issued under s. 343.50 is lost or destroyed or the name or address named in the license or identification card is changed or the condition specified in s. 343.17 (3) (a) 12. or 13. no longer applies, the person to whom the license or identification card was issued may obtain a duplicate thereof or substitute therefor upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the department of full legal name and date of birth and that the license or identification card has been lost or destroyed or that application for a duplicate license or identification card is being made for a change of address or name or because the condition specified in s. 343.17 (3) (a) 12. or 13. no longer applies. If the applicant is a male who is at least 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age, the application shall include the information required under s. 343.14 (2) (em). If the original license or identification card is found it shall immediately be transmitted to the department.
343.19(1m)(1m)If a license issued under this chapter has been surrendered under s. 343.265 and has not expired, the person to whom the license was issued may obtain a duplicate license upon furnishing to the department the applicable information under sub. (1) and complying with the requirements for reissuance of a license after surrender provided under s. 343.265 (2).
343.19(2)(2)No person may knowingly make a false statement or fail to return the original license or identification card to the department upon finding it or fail to comply with any other requirement of this section relating to an application for any of the following:
343.19(2)(a)(a) A duplicate license.
343.19(2)(b)(b) A duplicate identification card.
343.19(4)(4)Any person who violates sub. (2) may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both.
343.20343.20Expiration of licenses.
343.20(1)(1)
343.20(1)(a)(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, probationary licenses issued under s. 343.085 shall expire 2 years from the date of the applicant’s next birthday. Licenses issued after cancellation shall expire on the expiration date for the prior license at the time of cancellation. Subject to s. 343.125 (3), all other licenses and license endorsements shall expire 8 years after the date of issuance. The department may institute any system of initial license issuance which it deems advisable for the purpose of gaining a uniform rate of renewals. In order to put such a system into operation, the department may issue licenses which are valid for any period less than the ordinary effective period of such license. If the department issues a license that is valid for less than the ordinary effective period as authorized by this paragraph, the fees due under s. 343.21 (1) (b) and (d) shall be prorated accordingly.
343.20(1)(c)(c) The department may, by rule, require any person who is issued an operator’s license that is valid for a period of more than 2 years to demonstrate continuing qualifications to hold a license under this chapter at 2-year intervals. The rules may include, without limitation, requiring examination under s. 343.16 (6) (a) or requiring current medical certification under s. 343.16 (5). The department rules shall require cancellation or suspension of the license for noncompliance and shall permit surrender of the operator’s license under s. 343.265.
343.20(1)(d)1.1. The department shall cancel an operator’s license that is endorsed for the operation of school buses under s. 343.12 (3), regardless of the license expiration date, if the licensee fails to provide proof to the department of an annual physical examination determining that the person meets the physical standards established under s. 343.12 (2) (g). The licensee may elect to surrender the license under s. 343.265 (1m).
343.20(1)(d)2.2. The department shall cancel an operator’s license that is endorsed for the operation of school buses under s. 343.12, regardless of the license expiration date, upon receiving a record of conviction or of adjudication of delinquency or results of a criminal history search showing that the person has been convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for, a crime or other offense specified under s. 343.12 (7) or rules of the department promulgated under s. 343.12 (7) and (8) after issuance or renewal of the endorsement or at a time when, if known by the department, the conviction or adjudication would have prevented issuance or renewal of the endorsement.
343.20(1)(f)(f) The department shall cancel an operator’s license, regardless of the license expiration date, if the department receives information from a local, state, or federal government agency that the licensee no longer satisfies the requirements for issuance of a license under ss. 343.14 (2) (es) and 343.165 (1) (e).
343.20(1m)(1m)Notwithstanding sub. (1) (a), and except as provided in s. 343.165 (4) (c) and as otherwise provided in this subsection, a license that is issued to a person who is not a United States citizen or permanent resident and who provides documentary proof of legal status as provided under s. 343.14 (2) (es) 2., 4., 5., 6., or 7. shall expire on the date that the person’s legal presence in the United States is no longer authorized or on the expiration date determined under sub. (1), whichever date is earlier. If the documentary proof as provided under s. 343.14 (2) (es) does not state the date that the person’s legal presence in the United States is no longer authorized, sub. (1) shall apply except that, if the license was issued or renewed based upon the person’s presenting of any documentary proof specified in s. 343.14 (2) (es) 4. to 7., the license shall, subject to s. 343.165 (4) (c), expire one year after the date of issuance or renewal.
343.20(2)(2)
343.20(2)(a)(a) At least 30 days prior to the expiration of an operator’s license, the department shall provide to the licensee notice of renewal of the license either by mail at the licensee’s last-known address or, if desired by the licensee, by any electronic means offered by the department. If the license was issued or last renewed based upon the person’s presenting of any documentary proof specified in s. 343.14 (2) (es) 4. to 7., the notice shall inform the licensee of the requirement under s. 343.165 (4) (c).
343.20(2)(b)(b) Notwithstanding par. (a), at least 60 days prior to the expiration of an “H” endorsement specified in s. 343.17 (3) (d) 1m., the department of transportation shall provide a notice to the licensee either by mail at the licensee’s last-known address or, if desired by the licensee, by any electronic means offered by the department of transportation that the licensee is required to pass a security threat assessment screening by the federal transportation security administration of the federal department of homeland security as part of the application to renew the endorsement. The notice shall inform the licensee that the licensee may commence the federal security threat assessment screening at any time, but no later than 30 days before expiration of the endorsement.
343.20(2)(c)(c) Failure to receive notice to renew a license or endorsement shall not be a defense to a charge of operating a motor vehicle without a valid operator’s license or endorsement.
343.20(2m)(2m)The department shall include with the notice that it mails under sub. (2) information regarding the requirements of s. 347.48 (4) and information, as developed by all organ procurement organizations in cooperation with the department, that promotes anatomical donations and which relates to the anatomical donation opportunity available under s. 343.175.
343.20(3)(3)Any person who holds a valid license and who is unable to make a renewal application within the period declared by the department, due to serving with any branch of the armed services or as a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943, may apply for a renewal of the license at any time during such service or within 6 months after the date of discharge from such services.
343.20(4)(4)Any license issued under this chapter does not expire on the expiration date on the license if, on that expiration date, the licensee is on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and is absent from this state or is a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943 who is on active duty and is absent from this state. Any license extended under this subsection expires 30 days after the licensee returns to this state or 90 days after the licensee is discharged from active duty, whichever is earlier. If a license is renewed after an extension under this subsection, the renewal period shall begin on the day after the expiration date on the license.
343.21343.21License fees.
343.21(1)(1)The following fees, in addition to any driving skills test fee, shall be paid to the department for the issuance, renewal, upgrading and reinstatement of licenses, endorsements and instruction permits:
343.21(1)(a)(a) For the initial issuance or renewal of a license authorizing only the operation of “Class D” motor vehicles, other than a probationary license under s. 343.085, $24.
343.21(1)(ag)(ag) For the issuance of a probationary license under s. 343.085, $18.
343.21(1)(b)(b) For the initial issuance of authorization to operate “Class M” motor vehicles, $12 in addition to any other fees due.
343.21(1)(bg)(bg) For the renewal of authorization to operate “Class M” motor vehicles, $8 in addition to any other fees due.
343.21(1)(c)(c) For the initial issuance or renewal of authorization to operate school buses that are not commercial motor vehicles, $10.
343.21(1)(d)(d) Except as provided in s. 343.16 (2) (f) 3., for the initial issuance or renewal of authorization to operate “Class A”, “Class B” or “Class C” motor vehicles, or upgrading an existing regular license which only authorizes the operation of “Class D” motor vehicles, $64. This fee includes issuance of any “H”, “N”, “P”, or “T” endorsements or “Class D” authorization applied for at the same time for which the applicant is qualified. Except as provided in s. 343.16 (2) (f) 3., an additional fee of $5 is required for the issuance or renewal of any “S” endorsement applied for or renewed at the same time for which the applicant is qualified.
343.21(1)(e)(e) For upgrading an existing commercial driver license to add an “H”, “N”, “P”, or “T” endorsement, $5, or, to add an “S” endorsement, $10.
343.21(1)(f)(f) For upgrading an existing commercial driver license to add authorization to operate another class of commercial motor vehicles, $5.
343.21(1)(g)(g) For removing a “K” restriction against operation of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, the same fee as for a duplicate license.
343.21(1)(h)(h) For removing an “L” restriction prohibiting operation of commercial motor vehicles equipped with air brakes, $5.
343.21(1)(i)(i) Except as provided in par. (im) or (ir), for an instruction permit, $20.
343.21(1)(im)(im) For an instruction permit authorizing the operation of “Class M” vehicles, $22.
343.21(1)(ir)(ir) For an instruction permit authorizing the operation of “Class D” vehicles, $25.
343.21(1)(j)(j) For reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended, $50.
343.21(1)(jm)(jm) For reinstatement of a previously disqualified authorization to operate a commercial motor vehicle, $50. This fee is not applicable to disqualifications under s. 343.315 (2) (g).
343.21(1)(jr)(jr) In addition to any other fee under this subsection, for reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended under s. 343.305 (7) or resulting from the commission of an offense listed in s. 343.307, $140.
343.21(1)(k)(k) For an occupational license, $40.
343.21(1)(L)(L) For a duplicate license, $4.
343.21(1)(m)(m) For reinstatement of a previously canceled license or endorsement, $50. This fee includes reinstatement of any classification or endorsement applied for at the same time for which the applicant is qualified.
343.21(1)(n)(n) Except as provided in s. 343.16 (2) (f) 3., in addition to any other fee under this subsection, for the issuance, renewal, upgrading, or reinstatement of any license, endorsement, or instruction permit, a license issuance fee of $10.
343.21(1)(o)(o) In addition to any other fee under this subsection, $2 for any person making a designation of an additional $2 to support the efforts of Donate Life Wisconsin under s. 343.14 (2) (gh) or 343.50 (4). From the moneys received under this paragraph, 90 percent shall be deposited into the general fund and credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.395 (5) (gj).
343.21(1m)(1m)In addition to the fee specified in sub. (1) (a), (b), or (d), an applicant whose application for renewal of a license or authorization under sub. (1) (a), (b), or (d) is filed after the date of expiration of the license or authorization shall pay to the department a late fee of $5.
343.21(2)(2)
343.21(2)(a)(a) In addition to the fees set under sub. (1), any applicant whose application for a permit, license, upgrade or endorsement, taken together with the applicant’s currently valid license, if any, requires the department to administer a driving skills test of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle shall pay to the department an examination fee of $20 for an examination in a commercial motor vehicle other than a school bus and $15 for an examination in any other vehicle. Except with respect to examination in a “Class D” vehicle, payment of the examination fee entitles the applicant to not more than 3 tests of the applicant’s ability to exercise reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle. If the applicant does not qualify for issuance of a license, upgraded license or endorsement in 3 such tests, then a 2nd examination fee in the same amount shall be paid, which payment entitles the applicant to not more than 3 additional tests. For an examination in a “Class D” vehicle, a $15 examination fee shall be paid for each examination.
343.21(2)(b)(b) The operator shall pay to the department an examination fee of $15 for conducting the special examination requested under s. 121.555 (2) (cm), except that if the examination is in a commercial motor vehicle other than a school bus the fee is $20. Payment of the examination fee entitles the person to not more than 3 tests of the person’s ability to safely operate the vehicle proposed to be used under s. 121.555 (1) (a). If the applicant does not pass the examination for safe operation of the vehicle in 3 such tests, then a 2nd examination fee in the same amount shall be paid, which payment entitles the person to not more than 3 additional tests.
343.21(3)(3)In addition to any fee required under sub. (1) (c), (d), or (e), the department may require payment to the department of any fee established by rule under s. 343.12 (8) (c) 2.
343.22343.22Notice of change of address or name.
343.22(2)(2)Whenever any person, after applying for or receiving a license under this chapter, or an identification card under s. 343.50, moves from the address named in the application or in the license or identification card issued to him or her or is notified by the local authorities or by the postal authorities that the address so named has been changed, the person shall, within 30 days thereafter, do one of the following:
343.22(2)(a)(a) Apply for a duplicate license or identification card showing on the application the correct full legal name and address. The licensee or identification card holder shall return the current license or identification card to the department along with the application for duplicate.
343.22(2)(b)(b) In lieu of applying for a duplicate license or identification card, notify the department in writing of his or her change of address. This paragraph does not apply to persons issued a commercial driver license.
343.22(2m)(2m)Whenever any person, after applying for or receiving a license under this chapter, or an identification card under s. 343.50, is notified by the local authorities or by the postal authorities that the address named in the application or in the license or identification card issued to him or her has been changed and the person applies for a duplicate license or identification card under sub. (2), no fees shall be charged under s. 343.21 (1) (L) and (n) or 343.50 (5m) and (7) for the duplicate license or identification card.
343.22(3)(3)When the name of a licensee or identification card holder is changed, such person shall, within 30 days thereafter, apply for a duplicate license or identification card showing the correct full legal name and address. The licensee or identification card holder shall return the current license or identification card to the department along with the application for a duplicate. If the licensee holds more than one type of license under this chapter, the licensee shall return all such licenses to the department along with one application and fees for a duplicate license for which the licensee may be issued a duplicate of each such license.
343.22(4)(4)Any person who fails to comply with any of the requirements of this section may be required to forfeit not more than $50.
343.23343.23Records to be kept by the department.
343.23(1)(1)The department shall maintain a record of every application for license, permit, or endorsement received by it and of every suspension, revocation, cancellation, and disqualification by the department and shall maintain suitable indexes containing:
343.23(1)(a)(a) All applications denied and on each thereof note the reason for such denial;
343.23(1)(b)(b) All applications granted; and
343.23(1)(c)(c) The name of every person whose license or operating privilege has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, or who is disqualified, by the department and note thereon the reason for such action.
343.23(2)(2)
343.23(2)(a)(a) The department shall maintain a file for each licensee or other person containing the application for license, permit or endorsement, a record of reports or abstract of convictions, any demerit points assessed under authority of s. 343.32 (2), the information in all data fields printed on any license issued to the person, any notice received from the federal transportation security administration concerning the person’s eligibility for an “H” endorsement specified in s. 343.17 (3) (d) 1m., the status of the person’s authorization to operate different vehicle groups, a record of any out-of-service orders issued under s. 343.305 (7) (b) or (9) (am), a record of the date on which any background investigation specified in s. 343.12 (6) (a) or (d) was completed, a record of the date on which any verification specified in s. 343.165 (1) and (3) was completed, all documents required to be maintained under s. 343.165 (2) (a), and a record of any reportable accident in which the person has been involved, including specification of any type of license and endorsements issued under this chapter under which the person was operating at the time of the accident and an indication whether or not the accident occurred in the course of any of the following:
343.23(2)(a)1.1. The person’s employment as a law enforcement officer as defined in s. 165.85 (2) (c), fire fighter as defined in s. 102.475 (8) (b), or emergency medical services practitioner as defined in s. 256.01 (5).
343.23(2)(a)2.2. The licensee’s employment as a person engaged, by an authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway, in highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal during either a storm or cleanup following a storm. For purposes of this subdivision, “highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal” includes plowing, sanding, salting and the operation of vehicles in the delivery of those services.
343.23(2)(a)3.3. The licensee’s performance of duties as an emergency medical responder, as defined in s. 256.01 (4p).
343.23(2)(am)1.1. The file specified in par. (a) shall include the following:
343.23(2)(am)1.a.a. For a person holding a commercial driver license issued by the department, a record of any disqualification by another jurisdiction of the person from operating a commercial motor vehicle for at least 60 days or of the revocation, suspension, or cancellation by another jurisdiction of the person’s commercial driver license for at least 60 days, and the violation that resulted in the disqualification, revocation, suspension, or cancellation, as specified in any notice received from the other jurisdiction.
343.23(2)(am)1.b.b. For a person holding a commercial driver license issued by the department, a record of any violation in another jurisdiction of any law of that jurisdiction, including any local law of that jurisdiction, or of any law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in that jurisdiction, in conformity with any law of this state relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation, as specified in any notice received from that jurisdiction. The department shall record this information within 10 days after receipt of the notice.
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2021-22 Wisconsin Statutes updated through 2023 Wis. Act 272 and through all Supreme Court and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on November 8, 2024. Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after November 8, 2024, are designated by NOTES. (Published 11-8-24)