Civilian license plates

Automobiles
Motor homes (annual registration only)
Trucks
- 4,500, 6,000 or 8,000 pound gross weight including dual purpose farm and dual purpose motor home
- 12,000 pound gross weight farm truck

Things you should know:

Civilian license plates can feature regular numbers or a personalized message.
A $15 issuance fee is required when nonpersonalized Civilian plates are issued.
A $15 fee is required EACH year in addition to the regular annual registration fee for personalized plates.
If the vehicle receiving Civilian license plates is already titled/registered in your name, complete the vehicle section on MV2652
If the vehicle is not titled in your name, complete the title application - form MV1 (401 KB) and form MV2652 . Send them with all the required documents and fees to the address on form MV2652.
You must provide proof that you are a firefighter, a surviving spouse of a firefighter that died in the line of duty, rescue squad member or an emergency medical technician (EMT). See application - form MV2652
When you are no longer employed as a firefighter, rescue squad member or an emergency medical technician (EMT) the corresponding special plates must be exchanged for regular license plates unless the retirement is due to an injury suffered during the course of duty. The chief or other authorized person should notify the DMV, Special Plates Unit via writing or e-mail if special plates are not exchanged after employment has been terminated.
Plates may be transferred from an auto to a truck or vice versa upon payment of the full registration fee unless vehicle is converted from an auto to a truck or vice versa. The registration type must be changed to reflect the current vehicle type.

How to apply:

Send the following items:

Completed Civilian License Plates Application form, MV2652 with signed Proof of Eligibility or photocopy of eligibility documentation;
$15 issuance fee OR personalized plate fee;
Annual registration fee if you do not have plates or if your current plates expire within the next three months;
Check or money order made payable to: Registration Fee Trust;
Mail with payment to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Special Plates Unit
P.O. Box 7911
Madison WI 53707-7911

Personalized license plates

On form MV2652, check which option you would like us to follow if your request is not available.
No refund or adjustment will be made for a change of choice or spacing after the plate has been ordered, or if the application is incorrectly or unclearly completed.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) may refuse to issue OR may recall after issuance, a request that is misleading or may be offensive to good taste or decency.
If you are requesting a plate that the current owner no longer wants, have the former owner complete the "Release of Personalized Plates" on form MV2652.
Allow approximately 4-6 weeks for the plates to be manufactured after you have received your Certificate of Registration.

Temporary plate required

To legally operate your vehicle, you must display license plates within two business days of purchase. If you do not have current plates, apply to a DMV service center or an agent authorized by DMV to obtain a temporary plate while your Civilian plate order is processed. An agent may charge a $3 plate fee and/or may also charge a $5 service fee.

Changing from personalized to regular plates

If you wish to re-register your vehicle with regular license plates at renewal time or within three months of the renewal expiration date, send a copy of your Certificate of Registration or renewal notice with a request for standard plates along with the registration. Subtract $15 from the fee shown on the renewal notice. If you wish to re-register other than at renewal time, submit the request and a copy of the Certificate of Registration.

Changing from personalized to regular Civilian plates

If you wish to re-register with regular Civilian plates at renewal time or within three months of the renewal expiration date, send a copy of your Certificate of Registration or renewal notice with a request for regular Civilian plates and fee shown on the the notice which includes the $15 issuance fee. If you which to re-register other than at renewal time, submit the request and a copy of the Certificate of Registration and $15 issuance fee.

Release of information

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) uses the information on form MV2652 to issue Civilian license plates. Under open records laws, the department must make nonexempt information available upon request. If you want your name and address withheld from mailing lists of 10 or more individuals, complete page 2 of form MV2652.

If you have questions: