Car Registration

When you purchase or otherwise acquire a motor vehicle, new or used, you need to do two things in short order―change the title, which is the record of the legal owner, and then you must register the vehicle in your own name and pay any registration fees so that you may have your license plates issued.

Here's a list of what you'll need when you go to your DMV service center (note that the applications you'll find in this section can be viewed using the free Adobe Reader):

• The certificate of title, signed of by the previous owner; no photocopies accepted.

• A Wisconsin Title and License Plate application.

• Your driver's license or other ID if you apply in person.

• Your own license plate to transfer to the new vehicle, or the registration fee if you don't have your own plates, or if your plates are due to expire within three months.

• Check or money order for the title fee, sales tax, local sales tax, and wheel tax made payable to Registration Fee Trust.

If you've purchased your vehicle from a dealer, in most cases they will handle the paperwork for you. If you purchased from a private party or need to register in person for any other reason, the DMV has also engaged several private registration providers to assist you in registering and re-titling your vehicles.

License Plates

In Wisconsin, you are required to display license plates within two days of the transfer of ownership of the vehicle. If you already have your own license plates, you may transfer them to the new vehicle. If you do not, or if you are ordering specialty or personalized plates, you will be allowed to purchase temporary plates to use until your new plates can be delivered to you.

For more information about license plates, including specialty and personalized license plates, refer to our License Plates and Placards section. Or, you can find all the details about pricing and ordering your personalized plates on the Wisconsin DMV License Plate Guide.

Fees

Wisconsin provides comprehensive lists of registration fees and license plate fees, as they depend on the type of vehicle you own and how much it weighs.

Renewals

Motor vehicle registrations are renewed each year. The DMV will mail a reminder notice to you approximately 45 days prior to the expiration of your current license plates.

You may even be eligible to renew your registration online. Just check your renewal notice for a Renewal Reference Number (RRN) under the total amount due figure on the renewal notice. Here's a basic list of eligible vehicle types:

• Passenger Vehicles

• Motorcycles

• Mopeds

• Mobile homes

• Motor homes

Special plates:

• Amateur Radio

• Celebrate Children

• Collector Special

• EMT/Firefighter/Rescue

• Disabled Parking

• Disabled Veteran Parking

• Ducks Unlimited

• Endangered Resources

• Ex-Prisoner of War

• Freemason

• Higher Education (UW)

• Human Service Vehicle

• Lao Veterans

• Military

• Green Bay Packers

• Sesquicentennial

• Veterans Motorcycle

• Wisconsin National Guard

Note that vehicles registered in several counties are required to undergo inspections before registrations can be renewed. Check out our Smog and Emission Checks section to find out if your vehicle must pass inspection.

Lost Renewal Notice

If your renewal notice has been lost or destroyed, you may download an application for a Substitute Renewal Notice to obtain a duplicate renewal notice.

If you apply for your renewal after the expiration date of your current registration, there will be a $10 late fee assessed.

Duplicate of Replacement License Plate Stickers

If your license plate stickers are lost or stolen, you may apply for duplicate stickers by sending an e-mail message to bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us, or by calling the automated 24-hour phone line at (608) 266-1466 and leaving a message.

Here is a list of the information you'll need to note in your e-mail or on your message:

• License plate number.

• What type of sticker is needed.

• Your full name including middle initial.

• Full mailing address with city, state & zip.

• Your e-mail address.

• Daytime phone with area code.

Your replacement sticker will be mailed to you on the next business day. There is no charge for a replacement sticker.

Non Operational Vehicle Registration

Your vehicle qualifies for nonoperable status if your vehicle has been off the road for one full license period. Depending on your registration schedule, a full license period can mean:

• One complete calendar year if your vehicle was registered annually

• One or more complete quarters if your vehicle was registered quarterly

• One or more complete months if your vehicle was registered under Wisconsin's consecutive monthly registration program

To renew, you must submit a Vehicle Nonoperation Statement. This form will allow you to retain your expired plates and save you from getting slugged with registration fees for when your vehicle was nonoperable.

Questions? Call (608) 266-1466.