In February, Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began accepting debit and credit cards at 15 customer service centers around the state. Over the following months, DMV gradually implemented credit and debit card acceptance at dozens of service centers. All 73 DMV customer service centers are now equipped to accept both debit and credit cards. “This has been in the works for a long time,” notes Bureau of Field Services Director Kristina Boardman. “I am very happy to announce that the option to use a debit or credit card at a DMV customer service center is available everywhere in the state.”

Currently, DMV accepts cash, checks, most debit cards (including VISA debit), as well as MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. Currently, DMV is unable to accept VISA credit cards but is working closely with VISA on some programming changes to accept them in the near future.

All revenue taken in by the DMV goes to Wisconsin’s Transportation Fund, which is used for highway and other transportation improvements. To ensure a steady revenue stream to the fund, credit and debit fees are recovered through a convenience fee. The convenience fee charged is based on the amount of the transaction. The minimum fee is 50 cents. “Customers appreciate the ability to use cash, check or card when paying for DMV services. The use of credit and debit cards is increasing,” notes Boardman. “We are approaching 60,000 transactions using debit or credit cards in just the first several months.”