Milwaukee Area Driver’s Licenses, Vehicle Registration and Parking

About Driving

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is in charge of driving regulations in the state of Wisconsin. Municipalities have regulations regarding local parking.

Driver's Licenses

ou are considered a Wisconsin resident if your principal residence is in the state, or you pay income taxes here, or you have registered to vote here. You can have a REAL ID driver’s license or a state ID card, but not both. You must apply for a Wisconsin driver’s license within 60 days of establishing Wisconsin residency. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides online information regarding documentation needed; motor vehicle registration, title and plates; application; appointment scheduling and more transportation information at wisconsindot.gov, Additionally, you can complete your application and prepare for your visit to a Customer Service Center by going through the DL Guide, available at https://app.wi.gov/DLGuides/.

Customer Service Centers

Central: 2701 S. Chase Ave., Milwaukee

Downtown: 819 N. 6th St., Milwaukee

Northeast: 6073 N. Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee

Northwest: 7301 W. Mill Rd., Milwaukee

South: 1835 College Ave., South Milwaukee

Southwest: 5500 W. Grange Ave., Greendale

Kenosha: 4911 88th Ave., Ste. A, Kenosha

Racine/Sturtevant: 9531 Rayne Rd., Sturtevant

Waukesha: 2019 Golf Rd., Pewaukee

Vehicle Registration

All motor vehicles operated in Wisconsin must be registered with the state. Applications for a certificate of title and registration may be downloaded at wisconsindot.gov and mailed in for processing or obtained at a Department of Motor Vehicles customer service center.

Vehicle Emission Tests

Most automobiles and light trucks must have an emission inspection once every two years through the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP). Testing and registration renewal services are available through select facilities for vehicles kept in the seven-county emissions program area. A new, testing-only facility, WIVIP South, is now open at 9300 S. 27th St., Oak Creek. For information and the locations of facilities closest to you, go to: www.wisconsinvip.org.

Overnight Parking