MADISON – Wisconsin drivers can now add a state park and forest vehicle admission pass when renewing their annual vehicle registration online.
Gov. Tony Evers announced the new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The governor’s office says the option is meant to streamline state services and make it easier for residents to visit Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
Under the new system, drivers renewing their annual vehicle registration online can choose to purchase a 12-month Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass during the same transaction. WisDOT says customers who opt in will make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration.
The governor’s office says the change follows 2024 legislation that shifted state park passes away from a calendar-year model. The DNR says a 12-month vehicle admission pass is now valid for 12 months from the time of purchase.
WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says nearly three million Wisconsin vehicle registrations are renewed online each year. DNR Secretary Karen Hyun says the partnership gives residents another convenient way to get a park pass.
The DNR’s current vehicle admission page lists a 12-month pass at $28 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates and $38 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Additional vehicle passes are also available for vehicles registered to the same household.
State park passes can still be purchased through the DNR, at individual state park system properties, and at DNR service centers. Same-day service is also available at DMV kiosks when completing a registration renewal, according to the DNR.
