Occupational License After OWI in Wisconsin
Need to keep driving after an OWI? You may qualify for an occupational license. Give us a call or schedule your free consolation today.
What Is an Occupational License?
An occupational license is a restricted driver license. You may drive only for approved purposes (work, school, medical, treatment, church, household duties) and only during specific hours printed on the license—up to 12 hours/day and 60 hours/week. It cannot be used for recreation, and you may not operate a commercial motor vehicle. Other states may not honor a Wisconsin occupational license.
Who May Be Eligible
Wisconsin residents whose operating privilege is suspended or revoked for qualifying reasons (e.g., OWI-type violations, certain drug convictions, demerit points, child support nonpayment, HTO/RHTO with court approval) may be eligible.
Who Is Not Eligible (Common Disqualifiers)
- Juvenile matters under ch. 938.
- Suspension for failure to pay a forfeiture (traffic/municipal ticket).
- Canceled (not just revoked/suspended) license, or never licensed.
- You’re already eligible to reinstate your regular license.
- Two or more revocation/suspension cases from separate incidents within one year.
- Lifetime revocation.
- You haven’t served all mandatory waiting periods (see below).
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Required Waiting Periods for Occupational License in Wisconsin
The waiting period starts on the effective date of the suspension/revocation. Multiple actions? You must serve all applicable waits.
|
Reason |
Waiting Period |
|---|---|
|
Administrative suspension (BAC/RCS) |
No waiting period (apply once the suspension begins) |
|
OWI 1st conviction (Wisconsin) |
No waiting period |
|
OWI 2nd+ conviction |
45 days (and see AODA note below) |
|
Implied consent refusal |
30 days (1st), 90 days (2nd), 120 days (3rd+) |
|
Causing injury while intoxicated |
60 days |
|
Negligent homicide while intoxicated / great bodily harm |
120 days |
|
Underage alcohol operation |
No waiting |
|
Demerit points |
No waiting |
|
Drug convictions |
1st: None · 2nd: 60 days · 3rd+: 90 days |
|
HTO / RHTO |
After 2 years |
|
Child support nonpayment |
No waiting |
|
All other revocations/suspensions (general rule) |
15 days |
Important AODA note: If you have two or more OWI convictions and are revoked for OWI, DMV must have proof you completed an AODA assessment and are participating in a driver safety plan before issuing the occupational license.
Emergency Service Provider Exception
Government/public-utility/medical service employees (or those serving them) may drive during unlisted hours only when providing life-sustaining services during an emergency, limited to/from home, work, and the emergency site. Total time (listed + unlisted) still cannot exceed 12/day or 60/week. Be prepared to prove the emergency if asked.
How to Apply (What DMV Expects)
You can apply at a DMV Customer Service Center (arrive at least 2 hours before closing):
- Forms:
- MV3001 (Wisconsin Driver License Application)
- MV3027 (Application for Occupational Operator License)
- Identity: Provide acceptable proof; complete vision screening.
- Insurance: File SR-22 with WisDOT.
- Fees: Pay $50 (application is not a guarantee of issuance).
- AODA / IID (if applicable):
- If 2+ OWI convictions and revoked for OWI → DMV must have proof of AODA completed + driver safety plan participation.
- If the court ordered IID, provide proof of installation for each titled/registered vehicle (unless court exempted).
- HTO/RHTO: If revoked as HTO, your county circuit court must approve issuance.
Pro tip: Bring SR-22 confirmation, AODA documentation (if required), IID proof (if ordered), and be ready with a specific schedule (days/hours) totaling ≤12/day and ≤60/week.
Learn more about Wisconsin ignition interlock requirements.
After You Apply / If You’re Denied
- Most applications are decided same day; some are sent to DMV Central Office for review.
- If denied because of:
- 3 OWI-type within 5 years or 24+ demerit points in one year (and all waits served) → you may petition your county circuit court. If the court grants it and you meet other requirements, DMV will issue.
- Two or more revocation/suspension cases from separate incidents within one year → you may petition the court, but DMV must still deny (statutory bar).
Changing or Replacing an Occupational License
- To change hours/uses, submit MV3001 + MV3027 again and pay $50.
- One-time fee waiver if the change is needed to complete your driver safety plan and that use wasn’t listed originally.
- Duplicate (lost/name/address change): MV3001 + $14.
Driving With an Occupational License (Stay Compliant)
Make sure to carry with you:
- The paper with your driving terms,
- SR-22 proof (if required), and
- Any required IID documentation.
Driving outside permitted hours/uses/routes can lead to operating after suspension/revocation charges.
Download Forms & Application Checklist
Official WisDOT Forms
- BDS361 – Occupational License Information Sheet (PDF)
- → Explains eligibility, waiting periods, and application steps.
- MV3001 – Wisconsin Driver License Application (PDF)
- → Required for all license transactions, including occupational licenses.
- MV3027 – Application for Occupational Operator License (PDF)
- → Must be completed and signed before DMV will issue an occupational license.
What to Bring to the DMV
- Completed MV3001 and MV3027 forms
- Proof of identity and residency
- SR-22 Certificate of Insurance (filed with WisDOT)
- $50 application fee (plus any reinstatement fees)
- Proof of IID installation (if ordered by the court)
- AODA assessment and driver safety plan documentation (if required for repeat OWI)
- Court approval (if revoked as a habitual traffic offender)
Tip: Arrive at the DMV at least two hours before closing. Most occupational licenses are processed the same day if all documentation is complete.
Take Action Now
Need assistance with a case that may result in losing your license? Call Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. today for a free consultation. Serving clients across Southern and Central Wisconsin including Dane, Rock, Jefferson, Columbia, Dodge, Sauk, Iowa, and Green Counties.
Call Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. today for a free consultation with an experienced OWI defense lawyer.