Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and Renewals!
LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform.
Please review the helpful links below:
- Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
- Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
- Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
- Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.
Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool.
Wisconsin Act 240 - Credentialing DACA Recipients
DSPS is finalizing registration in the federal SAVE program. This is a necessary step to help our agency verify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status as we implement legislation allowing eligible DACA recipients to obtain an occupational license in Wisconsin.
The SAVE program requires both DACA and employment authorization. DACA applicants should have their current Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) available to complete license application.
We are transitioning our forms to an online platform, AccessGov, that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance. You will be able to submit some forms directly within the platform, while some may require you to download as a PDF and upload to another system. AccessGov will launch at the end of June 2026.
License Information
Per
Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2), the required renewal date for the Substance Abuse Counselor credential is 02/28/ each odd-numbered year. Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.
Pursuant to
2017 Wisconsin Act 262, as of May 1, 2018, the requirements to obtain a Substance Abuse Counselor credential have changed.
Pre-Credential Education Information
- Complete 360 hours of Substance use disorder specialized education through a post secondary institution or a department approved education program.
Educators: To apply for approval of a 360-hour comprehensive program, see application procedure:
-
Form 2848 - Application Instructions
-
Form 2784 - Course Application Information
- The training shall be in a comprehensive program or degree program approved by the Department, except for those having an accumulation of 100 or more hours as of March 1, 2007. An applicant who previously held a certificate from the Wisconsin Certification Board and can provide documentation of accumulation of 100 or more hours of approved specialized education as of March 1, 2007, may submit proof of completion of the balance of the 360 hours from sources other than a comprehensive program.
Application for Licensure
| Form | Description
|
|---|
| 3217 | Application for Fee Reduction (If applying for a fee reduction, this form
must accompany the LicensE application for the credential.)
|
2749-SAC
| Affidavit Regarding Supervised Experience
|
| 2786 | Credentialing Information for out-of-state Reciprocity Applicants (Reciprocity Information)
|
|
3079 | Certificate of Completion of Dept. Approved Comprehensive Substance Abuse Education Program (360 Hour Program) (For applicants who have completed a Department approved 360 hour program.)
|
2841
| Education and Training Form (For applicants who have completed 360 hours of specialized education.)
|
|
3222 | Information for Substance Abuse Professionals Late Renewal Applicants [For credentials expired 5 years or more.]
|
|
2829 | Malpractice Suits or Claims Form (If applicable) |
|
2252 | Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable)
|