More than 23,400 State Park passes sold since launch WisDOT/DNR partnership

More than 23,400 Wisconsin State Park passes have been purchased while Wisconsinites renewed their annual vehicle registration online under a new cross-agency initiative announced by the governor and the Evers Administration in June.

With the partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wisconsinites can conveniently purchase their 12-month Wisconsin State Park and forest vehicle admission pass while renewing their annual vehicle registration with the DMV, helping to streamline state services for Wisconsin residents and improve government efficiency, while generating consistent revenue for the state.

The 23,400 Wisconsin State Park passes sold through the DMV site account for 17% of the 133,670 passes sold so far this year and double the number of passes sold online since the launch of the program.

“My administration has spent eight years working to connect the dots, which is about making sure government works — and works better — for the people of our state, whether it’s cutting wait times, eliminating red tape, or streamlining our services to make life just a little easier for Wisconsinites. In just one month’s time, 20,000 Wisconsinites have taken advantage of our new initiative by getting their annual state park pass right online while they’re renewing their vehicle registration—that’s great news for Wisconsinites, our pristine state parks and natural resources, and our state,” said Gov. Evers. “We’re not only working to make government more efficient, we’re also making it easier than ever for Wisconsinites to support our state parks, because every time a pass is purchased, that’s an investment that goes right back into protecting and maintaining our amazing state parks for future generations of our kids to enjoy. And when folks renew their vehicle registration, they help fix our darn roads, too. This is a win-win-win for Wisconsin.”

Under previous state law, park passes were issued based on the calendar year. However, thanks to bipartisan legislation Gov. Evers enacted in 2024, state park passes are now valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, much like Wisconsin’s annual vehicle registration renewal, which is what helped make the Evers Administration initiative streamlining state park pass and vehicle registration processes possible. This ensures that Wisconsinites can enjoy all four seasons of Wisconsin’s state parks, no matter what month of the year their vehicle registration is due.

“Working strategically across agencies to deliver efficient government service provides tremendous benefit for our customers,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Wisconsinites can now renew their registration and purchase a park pass in one simple transaction. The volume of park passes sold in the first month demonstrates just how successful this initiative has become.”

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online at wisconsindmv.gov/renew, they now have the option to purchase a state park pass at the same time. After opting in to purchase a state park pass, Wisconsinites now make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR state park pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration within 7-10 business days. In addition to the collaboration between DNR and WisDOT, support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Mail Distribution Services combines the agencies’ two mailings into one for further improved efficiency and cost savings. For same-day service, a state park pass is also available at kiosks within DMV service centers when completing a registration renewal.

“We are thrilled to see so many Wisconsinites taking advantage of this new way to get their vehicle admission pass,” said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. “Wisconsin’s amazing state parks, forests and recreation areas are ready to welcome hikers, campers, road-trippers, and more this summer and beyond.”

Additional state park vehicle admission passes can be purchased online on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage, at individual state park system properties, or from DNR service centers.

Wisconsinites may also wish to take advantage of DMV’s eNotify service for renewal reminders and convenient links to vehicle registration.

Within this new process, Wisconsinites also have the option to contribute to the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund, a public-private partnership that provides a permanent source of funding to care for Wisconsin’s public lands for generations to come.