Wisconsin · OWI · Checked October 2026
OWI License Suspension in Wisconsin: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
OWI License Suspension in Wisconsin: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 business days to challenge a license suspension after an OWI arrest in Wisconsin.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 business days
- How it is counted
- 10 business days after you receive the Notice of Intent to Suspend at the traffic stop, or 13 business days from the notice date if it was mailed to you; the written request must be postmarked by then
- Failed test
- 6 months (administrative suspension, effective when the 30-day temporary license on the notice expires)
- Refused test
- 1 year (first improper refusal); 2 years with one prior within 10 years; 3 years with two or more priors (court-ordered revocation)
- Hardship license
- Occupational license
How to Request a Hearing in Wisconsin
in writing to the Wisconsin DMV, using the Administrative Review Request form the officer gives you (it has the mailing address); the hearing can be in person, by phone or by record review. A test refusal is handled separately: request a court hearing in writing within 10 days of the Notice of Intent to Revoke, to the court named on the notice.
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Wisconsin
6 months (administrative suspension, effective when the 30-day temporary license on the notice expires)Wis. Stat. § 343.305(7)(a), (8)(a)-(b), (9)(a)4., (10)(b)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Wisconsin
1 year (first improper refusal); 2 years with one prior within 10 years; 3 years with two or more priors (court-ordered revocation)Wis. Stat. § 343.305(7)(a), (8)(a)-(b), (9)(a)4., (10)(b)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (Wisconsin)
Getting a Occupational License in Wisconsin
Lets you drive at set hours for work, school and household needs. First OWI (alcohol): eligible immediately; second or later alcohol OWI: after 45 days; drug OWI: first immediately, second after 60 days, third or more after 90 days; first refusal: after 30 days. Requires an SR22 certificate, an IDP assessment and driver safety plan for OWI revocations, and an ignition interlock if the court ordered one. Not available if you have two or more revocation or suspension cases from separate incidents within one year.
More on OWI Law in Wisconsin
See the full overview of OWI laws in Wisconsin and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Wisconsin law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Wisconsin can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Wisconsin?
10 days. How it is counted: 10 business days after you receive the Notice of Intent to Suspend at the traffic stop, or 13 business days from the notice date if it was mailed to you; the written request must be postmarked by then.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
6 months (administrative suspension, effective when the 30-day temporary license on the notice expires)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Wisconsin?
Lets you drive at set hours for work, school and household needs. First OWI (alcohol): eligible immediately; second or later alcohol OWI: after 45 days; drug OWI: first immediately, second after 60 days, third or more after 90 days; first refusal: after 30 days. Requires an SR22 certificate, an IDP assessment and driver safety plan for OWI revocations, and an ignition interlock if the court ordered one. Not available if you have two or more revocation or suspension cases from separate incidents within one year.