Press Release: Gov. Evers Announces More than 51,300 State Park Passes Sold Since Launch of New Evers Administration Partnership Between WisDOT and DNR

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 10/29/2026 07:00 AM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Announces More than 51,300 State Park Passes Sold Since Launch of New Evers Administration Partnership Between WisDOT and DNR 
Over $1.5 million in revenue generated through sales will go back into protecting and maintaining Wisconsin’s state parks and roads for future generations
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that more than 51,300 Wisconsin State Park passes have been purchased while Wisconsinites renewed their annual vehicle registration online under the new cross-agency initiative announced by the governor and the Evers Administration earlier this year. Thanks to the new program Gov. Evers announced in June in partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and 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. 

According to the departments, the more than 51,300 Wisconsin State Park passes sold through the DMV site account for more than 12 percent of the 415,180 total admission passes sold through October 1, generating over $1.5 million in revenue for the state to continue to invest in maintaining Wisconsin’s state parks and roads.

“I’m jazzed that more than 51,000 Wisconsinites have taken advantage of this dynamic new program and purchased their annual state park pass while renewing their vehicle registration,” said Gov. Evers. “Making it easier to take advantage of our fantastic state parks just makes sense, and when folks renew their vehicle registration and purchase a park pass, that revenue goes right back into fixing our darn roads and supporting our state parks. It’s about making government work smarter, not harder, to make life just a little bit easier.” 

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’s initiative to streamline 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.

“We are thrilled by the success of this collaboration with DOT,” said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. “Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, and recreation areas are incredible places, and it’s great to see more residents purchasing their state park passes in this new, convenient way and, in turn, getting outside to enjoy our state’s beautiful natural resources.” 

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online, 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.  

“This partnership has proven to be a resounding success for DOT, DNR, and most importantly, the people of Wisconsin,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Wisconsinites can renew their vehicle registration up to six months before expiration, making any time the perfect time to renew registration and get a state park pass.”

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. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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