CPA License Renewal Requirements and Application Process

Certified Public Accountant

Additional Resources

Other Forms

Statutes and Administrative Code

Continuing Education Information

Exam Information

Offenses that May Result in Refusal, Bar, or Termination of Licensure

Related Links

Accounting Examining Board

Orders and Disciplinary Actions

Conviction Self Report

​ Report​ of Final Adverse Action ​​

Professional Assistance Procedure

Monitoring

File a Complaint

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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. ​​

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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. As of May 6th, 2026, all forms must be completed using the AccessGov system.  Please follow the instructions on each form to ensure proper submission.

License Information

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2), the required renewal date for the Certified Public Accountant credential is December 14 th of 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.

Application for Licensure (Including Late Renewal After Five or More Years)

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Application for Late Renewal After Five or More Years

In order to renew a credential that has been expired five (5) or more years, you must submit an ​online application and the "Late Renewal After Five or More Years" fee.  Under Wis. Admin. Code § Accy 2.501(2), verification of successful completion of examinations specified in Wis. Admin. Code § Accy 2.301 or education specified in Wis. Admin. Code § Accy 2.202 is also required.  A Late Renewal After Five or More Years applicant must either submit the $75.00 to take the WI Ethics exam (applicants who did not take the national exams in WI will also need to have official verification of scores sent) or submit your official transcripts for review.

Renewal Information

Requirements

• FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
• SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education) Note: If you do not meet the CE requirements please email dsps@wisconsin.gov placing "CPA Renewal" in the subject line.

- If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.

Renewal Method

• Online Log In: LicensE (For assistance see LicensE​ Customer Information or contact renewal staff at DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-2112.)

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses be​yond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship. Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renew​al Extension Form R210 for further information.