Military license plates

Beginning July 1, 2008, WisDOT will issue a new red/white/blue design for all new military license plate applications. See military license plate design frequently asked questions for information on how to switch from the white background military plate design to the new issue design.

Eligibility

These plates are available to a qualified vehicle owner, lessee, or trust beneficiary who is a:

Veteran or retired military or medal recipient
Member of the active or reserve military
Military academy students or alumni

Vehicles that qualify

Military plates are available for:

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

Note: For U.S. Veteran motorcycle plates, see form MV2930 .

Things you should know

No special parking privileges are provided with military plates. See Disabled Veteran license plates or Disabled parking identification cards for information about special parking privileges for persons with disabilities that impair the ability to walk.
Some 51 different service and/or medal designations are available (see form MV2653 for detailed listing.) Pictures of decals.
Plates are transferable to surviving spouse.
For information about special license plates for ex-prisoners of war, Medal of Honor or Wisconsin National Guard members, contact the Special Plates Unit.
Military license plates can feature regular numbers or a personalized message.
A $15 issuance fee is required when non-personalized Military plates are issued. WisDOT will transfer funds to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Trust Fund. This fee may be tax deductible for certain tax filers; consult your tax advisor.
A $15 fee is required EACH year in addition to the regular annual registration fee for personalized plates.
Plates may transfer 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 real registration must be changed to reflect the current plate type.
If the vehicle receiving military license plates is already titled/registered in your name, complete the vehicle section on form MV2653 .
If the vehicle is not titled in your name, complete the title application - form MV1 (401 KB) and form MV2653 send them with all the required fees to the address on form MV2653.

How to apply:

If the vehicle is titled in your name, send:

Completed the Military License Plates Application form, MV2653 with signed Proof of Eligibility or photocopy of eligibility documentation (see page 1 of the form);
Issuance fee, if requesting non-personalized plates;
Personalized plate fee, if requesting personalized plates;
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

If the vehicle has not been titled in Wisconsin or if you are purchasing the vehicle send:

Wisconsin title OR out-of-state title.
A completed form MV1 (401 KB) with signed proof of eligibility signed.
Completed form MV2653 .
Regular registration fee (See DMV fees)
Title fee.
$15 original issuance fee or $15 if ordering personalized license plates.
Appropriate sales tax or claim valid exemption.
A check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust.

Mail to:

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

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Personalized license plates

On form MV2653 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 which the current owner no longer wants, have the former owner complete the "Release of Personalized Plates" on form MV2653.
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 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 at a DMV service center or an agent authorized by DMV to obtain a temporary plate while your military 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 form MV2653 to issue Military license plates. Under open records laws, WisDOT 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 MV2653.

If you have questions:

E-mail: special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us. Please include the make and identification number of the vehicle you want to register with military group 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 below:

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

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