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Endangered resources license plates

When you purchase a special Endangered Resources license plate your fee includes an annual $25 donation to the Endangered Resources Program of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Wisconsin's Endangered Resources Program works to identify, protect and manage native plants, animals and Wisconsin's natural communities from the common to the critically endangered. Your annual donation supports work to:

• enhance the quality of life in Wisconsin by bringing back endangered and threatened species;
• prevent rare species from becoming endangered;
• preserve and manage the best examples of native ecosystems in our state natural areas for public use, education and research; and
• promote knowledge and stewardship of our state's precious natural heritage for our children and grandchildren, since healthy ecosystems are good for wildlife and people.

Vehicles that qualify:

• Automobiles
• Motor homes (annual registration only)
• Truck
  • 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:

• Endangered license plates can feature regular numbers or a personalized message.
• A $25 donation is required for original issuance of the Endangered Resources plate AND each year at renewal. This fee is a donation to the Endangered Resources fund and is in addition to the registration fee.  The donation may be deductible if you itemize your income tax returns.
• A $15 issuance fee is required for non-personalized Endangered Resources plates.
• If you would like personalized plates. A $15 fee is required EACH year in addition to the annual registration fee and Endangered Resources donation.
• Plates may be transferred from an auto to a truck or vice versa upon payment of the full registration fee unless the vehicle is converted from an auto to a truck or vice versa. The real registration must be changed to reflect the current registration type.

How to apply:

Send the following items:

1. If the vehicle you wish to register with Endangered Resources license plates is already titled in your name, send:
   • A copy of your Certificate of Registration OR the complete vehicle description on application form MV2858
   • $15 issuance or personalized plate fee
   • A $25 donation to the Endangered Resources Program. The $25 donation may be deductible if you itemize your income tax returns.
   • Annual registration fee if the current plates expire within the next three months.
2. If the vehicle is NOT titled in your name, send:
   • A completed title application form MV1 (401 KB) or MV11 through the dealer and fees, including the annual registration fee
   • $15 issuance or personalized plate fee
   • $25 donation to the Endangered Resources Program. The $25 donation is tax deductible if you itemize your income tax returns.
3. Make the check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust
4. Mail all required items to:

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

Personalized license plates

• On form MV2858, check which option that 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 which that is misleading or may be offensive to good taste or decency.
• Allow approximately 4-6 weeks for the plates to be manufactured after you have received your Certificate of Registration.

Change from personalized to regular plates

If you later decide to re-register with standard license plates, return a copy of your Certificate of Registration with a request for standard plates. Include the regular registration fee if your plates will expire within the next 3 months.

Temporary plates 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 Endangered Resources plate order is processed. An agent may charge a $3 plate fee and/or may also charge a $5 service fee.

Release of information

WisDOT uses the information on this form to issue Endangered Resources license plates. Under open records laws, WisDOT must make nonexempt information available upon request. If you want your name and address withheld from such business mailing lists, complete the "release of nonexempt information" portion on form MV2858 .

If you have questions:

• E-mail: special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us - include the make and identification number of the vehicle you are registering with Endangered Resources plates.
• Call: (608) 266-3041 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Fax: (608) 267-5106
• Write to the address above

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Questions about the content of this page:
Special Plate Unit, special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: March 28, 2008