How to Register an X-Ray Machine in Wisconsin: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 54 minutes ago
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in Wisconsin can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can review the project scope and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover any shielding work required for this project. Use the current government sources linked below for registration, plan review, fees, inspections, and filing requirements.
Quick answer
Wisconsin requires all X-ray devices to be registered with the Department of Health Services. Registrations are annual and expire December 31.
New devices and registration changes should be reported through the state's current online registration process, generally within 30 days of the change.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. Forms, fees, and filing systems can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or other responsible-person information when requested
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current application fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
Evaluate the room layout and shielding before installation and keep the final shielding design, assumptions, and any post-installation radiation survey or equipment-performance records with the facility file.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Use the Wisconsin DHS online Initial Registration/Change process and provide the facility, owner, machine, tube, and location information requested for each X-ray device.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Submit the online registration/change information and pay the applicable registration fee using the current DHS instructions or invoice process.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
Keep the registration information current when devices are added, removed, transferred, relocated, or when facility ownership changes. A change of ownership requires a new registration.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
Renew annually. Wisconsin generally sends renewal invoices in November for registrations expiring December 31.
Cost
The current DHS schedule lists $50 per site plus $50 per X-ray tube for many medical/non-dental facilities, and $50 per site plus $35 per tube for dental facilities. A $50 late fee may apply. Confirm the current schedule before payment.
Regulatory contact
Wisconsin DHS X-Ray Program: DHSXray@dhs.wisconsin.gov; 608-267-4782.
Keep these records together
• Submitted application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, inspection approval, or written regulator determination
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official sources
Source note: Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.