Applying for Special Plates in Wisconsin

There are several special plates available through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most plates can be applied for in person or by mail.

• Explore the various kinds of plates you can apply for by checking out our Types of Specialty Plates page.
• For information on Wisconsin handicapped license plates, visit our guide to Disability Plates and Placards.

Applying for Special Plates in Wisconsin

You can apply for special plates in Wisconsin in person or by mail by taking the following steps:

• Complete the specialty plate's corresponding application.
  • You can find the application by visiting the DMV Special License Plates page and clicking your desired plate.
• Gather any additional required documents for proof of eligibility.

• Check the DMV Special License Plates page for eligibility requirements.

• Provide payment for your special plate fee.
• Submit the above:
  • In person to your local DMV office.
  • By mail to the address listed on your application.

NOTE: If your car is not yet titled and registered in your name, you will need to submit a Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1) in addition to your special plate application.

Personalized Plates

Standard WI plates and many WI specialty plates are eligible to be personalized. If your desired plate can be personalized, you will find personalization options on your application.

An additional $15 applies annually to personalize a plate. (For motorcycle and farm truck plates that are renewed biennially, you'll pay $30—$15 at each renewal).

Before ordering a personalized plate, you can check the availability of your desired personalization online.

Applying for WI Military Plates

Several military-related plates are available in Wisconsin. To apply for a military plate, submit the following to the DMV:

• Competed Military License Plate Application (Form MV2653).
• Proof of eligibility:
  • Discharge papers.
  • Current student ID, for student enrolled in a military academy.
  • Dated letter on official letterhead signed by commanding officer for those currently serving.
• Check or money order for the plate fee payable to “Registration Fee Trust".
• Submit the above:
  • In person to your local DMV office.
    OR
  • By mail to the address on the application.

REMINDER: If your car is not yet titled and registered in your name, you will need to submit a Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1) along with your military plate application.

Renewing Your Special Plates in Wisconsin

Specialty plate renewal is part of your registration renewal and can be done online.

You may be required to pay special license plate renewal fees.

To learn more about renewing your registration, read our Registration Renewal in Wisconsin page.

Replacing & Transferring WI Special Plates

Replace a Wisconsin Special Plate

You may order replacement plates for your lost, stolen, or damaged specialty plates by taking the following steps:

• Complete a Replacement License Plate Information and Application (Form MV2118).
• Provide a check or money order payable to “Registration Fee Trust".
  • Fees vary and are listed on the application.
• Send the above to the address on the application.

Transfer a Special Plate in Wisconsin

If you sell or otherwise dispose of your car, you can transfer your Wisconsin special plates to a new car. To transfer plates, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your plates must be currently valid.
• You must be transferring your plates to a vehicle of the same type (e.g., from a passenger car to a passenger car.
• The new car must be registered under one of the following:
  • Your name.
  • Your spouse's name.
  • Your domestic partner's name.

To complete your specialty plate transfer:

• Complete section B of the Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1).
• Send your application to the address on the form.

NOTE: The plate transfer will be free IF your license plate is still valid and are not going to expire in the very near future. Call your local DMV office if you have questions about whether you need to send a registration fee.

Fees for Special Plates in WI

Special plate fees vary from plate to plate.

To learn the specific fees associated with your plate, go to the WI Division of Motor Vehicles website and click on your desired plate.