Applying for Special Plates in Wisconsin

SUMMARY: Apply for a Wisconsin Specialty License Plate

In Wisconsin, you can apply for special plates in person or by mail. Applying for military plates requires proof of service. Special plate renewal is part of your vehicle registration. You can order replacement plates for your lost, stolen, or damaged special plates. If you sell your car, you can transfer your special plates to your new one. Fees for special plates vary.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

Forms

MV1
Title/License Plate Application
DMV application for an original Wisconsin title AND/OR registration.
MV2653
Military License Plate Application
DMV application for WI military license plates. Must provide proof of previous OR current military enrollment.
MV2118
Replacement License Plate Information and Application
Request replacement license plates from the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles.
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