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

All drivers in Wisconsin must be licensed by the state after their residency is established. Drivers possessing out-of-state licenses can apply for a Wisconsin license by bringing their existing driver’s license, proof of identity, proof of residency and their Social Security number. A vision test and fee are required. There are additional requirements to obtain a REAL ID. You can complete your application and prepare for your visit by going through the DL Guide, available at https://app.wi.gov/DLGuides/. See the Department of Motor Vehicles website, wisconsindot.gov, for vehicle registration and title information.

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. Testing is available through approximately 200 private emission testing facilities in the area. For the locations of the emission testing facilities closest to you, go to: www.wisconsinvip.org

Overnight Parking

Many Milwaukee-area communities restrict overnight parking on their city or village streets. Please check with your local police department to see if any overnight parking restrictions apply.