License Lookup

The DPI’s online License Lookup tool provides license information. In addition, pursuant to Wis. Stat. 115.31 (6)(b)(c), a person who is under investigation or whose license has been revoked is identified in this online tool. This information will appear on the record of the person subject to investigation or revocation.

DPI uses the following terms to indicate the different statuses:

• Under Investigation – The person is under investigation based on information received by the DPI that warrants an investigation pursuant to Wis. Stat. 115.31(6). Investigation refers to the process of gathering information to determine if revocation of a license is appropriate. While “Under Investigation”, the person’s license(s) remains valid, unless it expires.
• Licenses Revoked - All licenses held by the person were revoked based on Wis. Admin. Code PI 34.098
• Denied – The person’s application for licensure was denied.
• License Expired - Under Investigation or Hold - The person previously had one or more licenses and was placed under investigation for alleged immoral conduct or incompetence. The person's license expired before the investigation was completed. The investigation is considered “Open”.
• Background Review - The person currently does not have a valid license and has made an application for a license or renewal of a license. Information that was revealed during the background check process may constitute immoral conduct or incompetence. Further investigation and review are required.
• Driver Ed License Only - Under Investigation - The person holds a valid Wisconsin driver education license and it has been alleged that the person has engaged in behavior specified in the law that may result in revocation of that driver education license – Wis. Admin. Code PI 34.098(2). This designation does not affect any other Wisconsin educator license(s) held by the person.
• Driver Ed License Only - Revoked - The person's Driver Education license was revoked for reasons specified in the law that apply only to the revocation of a driver education credential – Wis. Admin. Code PI 34.098(2). This designation does not affect any other Wisconsin educator license held by the person. Note: The explanation above also applies when a "Revoked" status is displayed on the License Lookup directly on the detailed license information for a driver education license rather than at the top of the person's License Lookup screen.

Our on-line educator licensing portal (ELO) provides the following information about Wisconsin educator licensing:

• License status
• License validity dates
• License type and license stage
• License history
• Educator file number
• Proof of current licensure
• Proof that an application for license renewal as been submitted
• Verification that a license application has been received

For each license, either the low and high grade levels or the developmental level (e.g., Early Adolescence-Adolescence) will be listed.  This depends on the licensing laws in place at the time of issuance.  PI 34, the administrative code that governs licensure was changed significantly in 2004 and again in 2018.

When you submit a complete, accurate application by the June 30 expiration date, your previous license does not expire until DPI has completed processing of your application. The License Lookup will verify the date your most recent application with payment was received at DPI. "When an applicant has made a timely and accurate application for the renewal of a license or a new license of a continuing nature, the existing license does not expire until the application has been finally acted upon by DPI." [Wis. Stat. 227.51(2)]

"Most Recent Application (with Payment) Received" Date

The "Most Recent Application Received" date entered into our licensing database is the date that the bank processed your application fee payment. Because all applications are manually entered into our licensing database, during our busy season (January, February, May-August), it may take up to eight weeks after your payment is processed before the date is shown on the license lookup.

If someone has applied for a license the License Status will say “Applicant.” When an application has been approved and fully processed, the status will change to “Current.”