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Wisconsin License PlatesA Wisconsin license plate is a rectangular aluminum plate containing a unique identification serial affixed to a vehicle registered with the state for identification purposes. Per Chapter 341 of the Wisconsin Statutes, except for certain vehicles exempted from registration, all vehicles driven or operated in the state must be registered and obtain license plates upon completing the registration.
According to Chapter 341.15 of the Wisconsin Statutes, whenever two registration plates are issued for a vehicle, one plate must be affixed to the front and one to the rear of the vehicle. If only one license plate is issued for a vehicle, the plate must be affixed as follows:
Wisconsin license plates are issued by the state's Division of Motor Vehicles under the Department of Transportation. The DMV issues the following types of license plates:
Wisconsin License Plate Design and FormatsThe Wisconsin standard-issue license plate has a reflective white background with a black serial, a red state name, and a green line under the state name. The plate's top right-hand side contains graphics featuring a sailboat and sunset, flying geese, and a farm scene. The text "America Dairyland" is screened in red centered at the bottom. The design's serial starts with three letters beginning with AAA, separated by four numbers by a hyphen.
Standard issue license plate:
Special license plate:
* Source: Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Wisconsin Vanity License PlateWisconsin vanity plates are personalized plates containing a uniquely chosen combination of serials to represent the owner's interests. The following types of vehicles qualify for personalized or vanity license plates in Wisconsin:
Before you can apply for a vanity license plate in Wisconsin, you must use the personalized plate search feature on the WisDOT website to find out if your choice of vanity plate is available. Per Section 341.145 (7) of Wisconsin Statutes, the WisDOT may refuse to issue or recall after issuance a request that is considered offensive to decency or good taste, misleading, or conflicts with another license plate.
The WisDOT allows you to have 1-7 characters, numbers, or capital letters only on the In God We Trust plate, Wisconsin National Guard plate, and the standard design plates issued to automobiles, motor homes, farm trucks, and light trucks. However, you can have 1-6 characters on most other special plate types. Vanity plate messages with special characters or punctuation are not allowed. The WisDOT does not issue a vanity plate combination that has been issued to another vehicle, regardless of the vehicle or registration type, except if the plates have expired for two or more years.
To apply for a vanity license plate, follow these steps:
If the application is incomplete or unclear, no refunds or adjustments can be made for any change of choice or spacing after ordering the vanity plates. If the application is completed and correct, you will get a Certificate of Registration, and the plates should arrive within 4-6 weeks.
Note that the $15 personalized plate fee and the regular annual vehicle registration fee are required annually. Motorcycles and farm trucks, renewed annually, cost an additional $15 for each registration, totaling $30. Vanity plates applications can be made at any time. However, the WisDOT recommends that applicants apply for vanity plates three months before their current plates are renewed to save money. If you have ordered vanity plates but have not received them within 6 weeks, contact the Special Plates Unit of the WisDOT by calling the Unit at (608) 266-3041.
Most Popular License Plates in WisconsinThe most popular special-themed license plates in Wisconsin are:
Wisconsin License Plate LookupA Wisconsin license plate lookup refers to a process of using a vehicle's license plate number to find more information about the vehicle. A Wisconsin license plate lookup can be used to determine if a used vehicle has a cloned VIN, has had its odometer reading rolled back, or whether it has an active registration. Law enforcement may also use it for investigative purposes. While federal and state law restricts public access to personal information, law enforcement agencies may be able to access personal information, such as the driver's name and address.
You can use Recordsfinder to perform a license plate lookup and obtain the following information:
A reverse license plate search is the same as a license plate lookup, and both terms can be used interchangeably. As with a license plate search, you can access a vehicle's history and specifications with a reverse license plate search. In some instances, law enforcement may also be able to access sensitive and non-sensitive information from Wisconsin DMV records. You can conduct a reverse license plate search using Recordsfinder by providing a vehicle's license plate number.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Wisconsin?You can get a Wisconsin license plate when you title and register your vehicle with the DMV. When you buy a vehicle, receive it as a gift, or are a new Wisconsin resident, you must apply for a new Certificate of Title in your name. The Certificate proves that you own the vehicle. If you purchase a vehicle through a licensed Wisconsin dealer, the dealer will submit the title and registration paperwork for you.
To apply online for both title and new license plates:
You will be charged a convenience fee for using this service. Your PayPal account will be charged a convenience fee for using this service. Alternatively, you may use your checking or savings account using ACH (Automated Clearing House) and avoid the convenience fee
To:
WisDOT-eMV PublicTo apply for a title and plate in person, have the following ready:
For faster service, you may bring a pre-filled MV1 application or completed MV1 application to the closest DMV Service Center. Instructions for completing the MV1 application are included on the application. Wisconsin also allows third-party agencies to process title transfers and issue new license plates to walk-in customers.
To apply for a title and Wisconsin license plate by mail, have the following ready:
For video guides and more information on obtaining a title and license plate in Wisconsin, see the license plate application page of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in WisconsinIn Wisconsin, passenger license plates are issued to passenger vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and license plates weighing under 8,000 pounds. Commercial license plates are issued to commercial vehicles like heavy trucks and vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds.
Here are the key differences between passenger and commercial license plates in Wisconsin:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | For pleasure and non-commercial purposes | For-profit or compensation and the transportation of property |
| Vehicle Type | Available for sedans, SUVs, wagons | Pick-up trucks, heavy trucks |
| Fees | Standard fees apply | Additional taxes and fees may apply depending on the commercial vehicle type, weight, and mode of operation |
| Requirements for obtaining | Standard registration with the WisDOT DMV | The registration process is lengthier, with potential additional inspections, taxes, assessments, and varying fees depending on the vehicle weight, type, and operations |
How to Renew a License Plate in WisconsinThe DMV ensures timely delivery of license plate renewal notices to the addresses on file for vehicle's registered owners or lessees, by ensuring at least 30 days before the expiration date. Hence, if you have signed up for eNotify, you will get a reminder to renew your plates one month ahead of schedule. Since 2022, vehicle registrations for automobiles, autocycles, and light trucks have been set to expire at the end of the month. If you have lost or did not receive your renewal notice, check the lost renewal notice page on the WisDOT website. Note that if you are renewing before receiving your plate renewal notice, you may incur an additional charge if your license plates are 10 years or older. This fee will be added to your renewal cost.
The DMV charges a late fee for automobiles, light trucks, mopeds, and motorcycle renewals received after expiration. You may use the license plate search on the DMV website to check when your plate expires.
To renew your license plates online, visit the DMV online services system. You may pay the applicable fees using a MasterCard, VISA, or Discover credit card. Alternatively, your debit card may be used and processed as credit, or you may use Automated Clearing House from your checking or savings account. PayPal and Apple Pay may be available with some services. Note that a convenience fee will be charged if you use a credit or debit card
To renew your license plate by mail, mail your renewal notice and fee to the address indicated on the notice. You can also use authorized DMV agencies and businesses acting as agents providing basic vehicle registration and renewal services. These agents charge a maximum $10 fee for renewal transactions. Alternatively, you may visit a DMV service center and present your license plate renewal notice and applicable fee. There is a $3 counter-service fee for each renewal application. Service centers accept checks, debit cards, and cash. Also, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover credit cards are accepted. Debit cards are processed as credit.
How to Transfer a License Plate in WisconsinWisconsin allows you to transfer a license plate from an old vehicle to a new vehicle registered by you or your spouse or domestic partner, provided both vehicles are the same type. Hence, you can transfer license plates from an automobile to another automobile or a truck to another truck of the same weight class.
If the vehicle is not titled in your name, you must apply online via WisDOT online services for both title and transfer of existing plates. However, if the vehicle title is in your name, and you have Wisconsin plates in your name from another vehicle you no longer operate or own, you can transfer plates online if you have the following ready:
OR
AND
To apply for a Wisconsin plate transfer in person, you must bring the following to your closest DMV Service Center:
To apply for a Wisconsin license plate transfer, have the following ready:
Send the completed application and required items to:
WI Dept. of TransportationNote that if you are transferring a personalized plate or a plate requiring approval or eligibility verification, such as Military, Firefighter, Operating Engineer, or Collector/Hobbyist plates, you must submit the appropriate application and fees by mail. For more information on transferring these types of plates, see the Special Plates page of the WisDOT website for specific plate requirements and applications.
Wisconsin License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts the disclosure of a driver's personal information from a state's DMV database without the driver's consent unless one of 14 statutory exceptions applies. Wisconsin laws align with federal law by ensuring the safety of drivers' records. Per Wisconsin law, WisDOT defines personal information as any information identifying an individual, including highly restricted data. Personal driver information under Wisconsin DMV records include name, telephone number, address, email address, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number.
With Wisconsin legislation more restrictive per DMV records, you cannot find the owner of a Wisconsin license plate unless you have an eligible reason under the DPPA. To access personally identifiable information, the person or entity requesting the information must comply with DPPA provisions by completing the MV2896 form (Vehicle or Driver Record Information Request) indicating what authorizes the data release.
Note that federal and state restrictions on DMV records do not include non-sensitive information such as vehicle history, registration status, VIN, and recall information. With Recordsfinder, you can find non-sensitive information on more than 269 million registered vehicles in the United States.
You can get a replacement license plate online in Wisconsin if you lose your current license plate. Before you can apply for a replacement license plate online, you must take the following steps:
Prior to your application online, you must have the following ready:
OR
AND
A printer with 8.5" x 11" paper to print your certificate of registration and temporary license plate, when applicable
Typically, your replacement plates with new numbers or letters will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks after completing the online application.
If your plate does not qualify for a replacement online, you can apply for a replacement place by mail. If submitting your application by mail, you must have the following ready:
Mail the completed application and payment details to:
Wisconsin Department of TransportationNote that processing times may be longer for mailed-in applications.
You may also apply for a replacement license plate in person at any DMV Service Center near you. To apply for a license plate in person, you must have the following ready:
Wisconsin police can access the following information when they run your license plates:
The Wisconsin DMV does not provide a free service to search license plates in the state. However, you can use Recordsfinder to search license plates for free. A free Wisconsin license plate search is useful when:
Per Chapter 341.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes, no person may operate or knowingly permit a vehicle to operate on Wisconsin highways with an expired registration or license plate. Any person who drives an automobile or a vehicle with a gross weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds with an expired license plate is liable to be fined $200.
Wisconsin license plates stay with the owners unless the plates are being transferred to other vehicles. You may retain the license plates, transfer them to another vehicle, or properly dispose of them (cut them up). If you have left the license plates on your vehicle and are concerned, complete a License Plates Cancellation Application form MV2514 and mail it to:
Wisconsin Department of TransportationWisconsin does not require motorists leaving the state to surrender their license plates to the DMV. If you move to another state, you may destroy your Wisconsin license plates so no one else can use them.
Standard Wisconsin license plates measure 6 inches in height and 12 inches in length. The state's U.S. veteran motorcycle license plate measures 4 inches high and 7 inches wide.
Per Chapter 341.09 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation may issue temporary license plates to applicants valid for up to 90 days or until the applicant receives regular license plates, whichever occurs first. A temporary Wisconsin license plate may also be needed:
Non-Wisconsin residents may be issued 30-day temporary license plates by Wisconsin dealers as part of vehicle sales in the state. If a temporary plate is required, mail a copy of the front and back of the tile, a completed Temporary License Plate Application, and a $3 fee (made payable to Registration Fee Trust) to:
Wisconsin Department of TransportationTemporary Wisconsin license plates are not issued for:
You can renew your license plate online via DMV online services or by mail by sending your renewal notice and the applicable vehicle registration renewal fee to the address stated on the notice. Alternatively, visit a DMV Service center with your renewal notice and appropriate fee.
You can obtain a replacement license plate if your Wisconsin license plate is lost or stolen. If your plate type qualifies to be replaced online, you can obtain a replacement by visiting the DMV online license plate replacement service and providing the following information:
OR
AND
Alternatively, you can apply for a replacement license plate in person by visiting a nearby DMV Service Center. To apply in person, you need the following: