New license plate design changes

Wisconsin's current license plate design for autos and light trucks debuted in the summer of 2000. The plates are being phased in over a multi-year period as new registrations are issued and as customers request replacement plates. The previous plate (issued from 1987-2000) was similar to the current plate, with these changes:

The black plate numbers are easier to read than the previous red numbers, which makes it easier for law enforcement officials to enforce traffic safety laws.
Auto plates have numbers listed first and letters second (i.e. 101-AAA).
"Wisconsin" and "America's Dairyland" are both now larger and red, instead of dark blue.

The graphic design in the upper right of the plate symbolizes nature, the farming industry and diverse recreational opportunities in Wisconsin.

For more information:

E-mail bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Call: (608) 266-1466

If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, you will need to provide us with the license plate number or the vehicle identification number.

Special plates

Several special plates were redesigned in 2007.

The replacement of old design license plates with the newly designed plates is mandated by law at the time of renewal. The corresponding special plate reissue fee is also required by law. After you receive your new plates, the old design plates are no longer valid.

Starting with April 2007 registration renewals, we began replacing license plates that have been redesigned for:

Civilian Group (Emergency Medical Technicians and Rescue Squad Members)
University group (UW campuses Eau Claire, Green Bay, LaCrosse, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point, Stout, Superior and Whitewater
Wisconsin National Guard

Starting with July 2007 registration renewals, we began replacing license plates that have been redesigned for:

Endangered resources
Firefighter - part of the civilian group
Military group (The $15 reissuance fee for nonpersonalized military license plates is transferred by WisDOT to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.)
University - Madison

If you choose to renew by mail, send us your entire renewal notice to insure that any changes are processed correctly.

We have no other plans to replace any other special license plates at this time.

For more information about special plates:

E-mail: special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Call: (608) 266-3041 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Replacement plates

Your registration renewal notice will inform you if your plates are scheduled to be replaced. You may apply for a replacement set of plates at any time if your plates have been lost, stolen or damaged. When you order replacement plates, you will receive plates with a different plate number, unless you have personalized plates or a special plate with a designated number (e.g., Amateur radio or collector special).

For more information about special plates:

E-mail: special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Call: (608) 266-3041 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

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Wisconsin license plate