Hotels and Motels

​​​​​​A hotel is defined as a place where sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to transients, in five or more rooms, and all related rooms, buildings, and areas. A motel means a hotel that furnishes on-premises parking for motor vehicles of guests as part of the room charge, without extra cost, and is identified as a motel rather than a hotel at the request of the operator. All fees related to hotel and motel licensing are identical.

Duration 

  • Each license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) expires June 30 of each year.
  • License dates extend from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
  • If a license is granted after April 1 of a license year, that license will extend to June 30 of the following year. 
    • Example: If a business is licensed by DATCP on April 1, 2019, then their license will expire June 30, 2020.
  • Renewal fees for existing establishments shall be submitted to DATCP before June 30 each year.

Fees 

​Type of Facility​Annual License Fee​One Time Pr​e-Inspection Fee
​Hotel/Motel 5-30 Rooms​$205​$480
​Hotel/Motel 31-99 Rooms​$280​$665
​Hotel/Motel 100-199 Rooms​$355​$795
​Hotel/Motel 200+ Rooms​$490​$1,185

​Instructions 

  1. To obtain a license through DATCP, call (608) 224-4923 or email ​our licensing specialists.​
  2. The licensing specialist will get you the information you need and will explain the process steps​.​

​Additional Resources

Start the Licensing Process

Room Rate Cards​

Emergency Assistance Cards

Bed Bugs: Questions and Answers

State Laws 

Wis. Stat. § 97 - Food, Lodging and Recreation​​

Wis. Admin. Code § ATCP 72 - Hotels, Motels and Tourist Rooming Houses​

ATCP 72 Rule Revision Advisory Committee​
​​

Contact

Licensing Specialist
(608) 224-4923