Wisconsin's Lame Driver's License Requirements

It seems to me that Wisconsin as over reacted to the federal "Real ID" legislation. Actually, I think they over reacted to the news articles and blogs in which Wisconsin was held in ridicule for having very lax standards with pronouncements like, "Osama Bin Laden could get a license or ID card in Wisconsin." While the old standards were lax compared to many states, the new standards are far too cumbersome.

I went to get my driver's license today. I was told I could not get one. I brought the only original bank statement I have available to prove my residency in Wisconsin, but it was not good enough because (1) it did not cover a period of 30 days {it was shorter because I had just opened it and I guess this bank keeps everyone on the same cycle?}; and (2) it only showed my initial deposit into the account {it's new, what can I say?}, no "activity".

I have another account that I moved from another state to the same bank chain in Wisconsin, but I don't get "original" statements on that account because I get them electronically. You know, the way that every bank on the planet begs you to take your statements because it's cheaper, easier, faster and reduces paper usage and waste. Not good enough for Wisconsin.

I told the woman at the window I'd either have to pay $$ to get a reprint of a previous statement, or I'd have to change my preferences and just wait for the balance of the cycle for another statement to be printed and mailed to me, by which time I might be in violation of Wisconsin law requiring me to obtain a license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Of course, based on the new requirements, I suppose one could argue that they have NOT established "residency" if they haven't opened an account at a Wisconsin bank AND they have not obtained in utilities in their name (WARNING - the DMV will NOT accept cable television bills). Apparently leasing an apartment in Wisconsin may not establish residency since the lease itself isn't good enough to prove your residence to the DMV.

I share this apartment with two other guys. One has the cable TV in his name (the bill for which isn't good enough anyway) and the electricity/gas bill is in the other's name. We have VoIP telephone service (not through Charter) for which I don't even get a bill, although I could print one out if I needed it (again, not good enough - the bills cannot be ones that you print out from a computer, unless of course you ARE the utility company printing the bill out on YOUR computer). So, I am not going to have a utility bill in my name to prove my residency in Wisconsin.

I haven't read all the rules, but I assume that the State has made an allowance for minors who get learners permits and then licenses - if they are living with parents or guardians it is HIGHLY unlikely that they have utilities in their names. It is also less than certain that they will have a bank account. HHhhhhmmmm, I guess the fact that their licensed parent is somehow vouching for them and this is good enough?

Also, please note that a residential lease is NOT on the list of documents that can be used to prove Wisconsin residency. Certain papers from the purchase of a Wisconsin residence are sufficient, but make darn sure you have EXACTLY what is called for on the list:

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/doc/proof-resident.htm

Also, remember to look at the other requirements for the DMV. You also have to prove your legal right be in the United States (certified birth certificate or US Passports work (the DMV's handbook states a "certified passport" is required, but I think this is an error as the website simply says "US Passport").

In short, if you come to Wisconsin and:

* you are not employed locally
* you don't open a local bank account and use it for a month
* you don't have any utilities in your name
* you aren't going to school
* you haven't bought a house
* you aren't receiving government assistance

then you aren't getting a local driver's license.

That's fine. I'll keep my $18 for the class D plus my $12 for the class M and I'll keep my old license from the other state. Wisconsin can keep their piece of plastic. I'll be less inclined to register my vehicle here as well when the time comes. It's registered in another state and I think it'll just stay that way.

Frankly, Madison is a lovely town, but there are an awful lot of negatives about living here. Perhaps I'll be leaving shortly anyway, so there's not much point in establishing residency now, eh?