Temporary license plates

Wisconsin law requires buyers of cars and small trucks (8000 pounds or less) to display a permanent or temporary plate within two business days of purchase.
The Wisconsin dealer or financial institution involved in the sale provides temporary plates free to Wisconsin residents.
Temporary plates (form MV2505 ) are available from DMV temporary license plate agents for a cost of $3, a $5 service fee and the application fees.
Permanent or temporary plates are available at DMV service center s offering registration services for a $5 service fee and the application fees.
Temporary plates issued to Wisconsin residents are valid for 90 days.
If you have a plate to transfer, put it on the new vehicle, complete form MV1 (401 KB), send it with the title and application fees to DMV and keep a copy in your vehicle.
Out of state residents purchasing a vehicle in Wisconsin may obtain a temporary plate valid for 30 days for a fee of $3 plus any application and service fees.
Driving without plates is subject to a maximum fine of $200.
Handmade ‘LAF' (license applied for) plates are not acceptable.
Temporary license plates are not issued for trucks registered for more than 8,000 lbs. per Wisconsin Statute 341.09 "Temporary operation permits and plates."

If you have questions:

E-mail: bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us. If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we need your license plate number, the year and make of the vehicle and/or the vehicle identification number to respond. WisDOT may need to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail.
Call: (414) 266-1000, (800) 924-3570, or (608) 266-1466 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Return to top

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: June 1, 2009

Temporary license plate