Vehicle registration plates of Wisconsin
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The U.S. state of Wisconsin first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1905. Plates are currently issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.
Passenger baseplates
1905 to 1941
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1905–11 | Riveted aluminum serial on black plate | none | 12345-W | 1-W to 21983-W[1] | |
![]() | 1911 | Riveted aluminum serial on dark green plate; vertical "1911" at left | none | 1234W | 1W to approximately 1300W | First dated plate. Issued only to new registrants from August 1 through December 31, 1911.[2] |
![]() | 1912 | Riveted aluminum serial on red plate; vertical "1912" at left | none | 12345W | 1W to approximately 24600W | |
![]() | 1913 | Riveted aluminum serial on dark blue plate; vertical "1913" at left | none | 12345W | 1W to approximately 34100W | |
![]() | 1914 | Embossed black serial on white plate; vertical "1914" at left | none | 12345W | 1W to approximately 53500W | First embossed plate. |
![]() | 1915 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "W 15" at right | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 79500 | |
![]() | 1916 | Embossed red serial on white plate; vertical "WIS." and "16" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 115000 | |
![]() | 1917 | Embossed white serial on olive green plate; vertical "WIS." and "17" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 165000 | |
![]() | 1918 | Embossed black serial on beige plate with border line; "18 W" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 185000 | |
![]() | 1919 | Embossed yellow serial on green plate with border line; "W 19" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 224000 | |
![]() | 1920 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "W 20" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 275000 | |
![]() | 1921 | Embossed black serial on gray plate; vertical "WIS" and "21" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 320-000 | |
![]() | 1922 | Embossed white serial on olive green plate; vertical "WIS" and "22" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 360-000 | |
![]() | 1923 | Embossed red serial on white plate; vertical "WIS" and "23" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 419-000 | |
![]() | 1924 | Embossed white serial on black plate; vertical "WIS" and "24" at right | none | A123-456 | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1925 | Embossed golden yellow serial on blue plate; vertical "WIS" at left and "25" at bottom right | none | 123-456A | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1926 | Embossed black serial on beige plate; "26" at bottom left and vertical "WIS" at right | none | A123-456 | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1927 | Embossed white serial on black plate; vertical "WIS" at left and "27" at bottom right | none | 123-456A | Coded by weight class (A) | |
1928 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "28" at bottom left and vertical "WIS" at right | none | A123-456 | Coded by weight class (A) | ||
![]() | 1929 | Embossed white serial on green plate; vertical "WIS" at left and "29" at bottom right | none | 123-456A | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1930 | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "30" at bottom left and vertical "WIS" at right | none | A123-456 | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1931 | Embossed golden yellow serial on blue plate; vertical "WIS" at left and "31" at bottom right | none | 123-456A | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1932 | Embossed blue serial on yellow plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 32" at bottom | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 582000 | First use of the full state name. Plates under 1000 used small plates through 1933. |
![]() | 1933 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 33" at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 566-000 | |
![]() | 1934 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 34" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 578-000 | Plates under 10000 used small plates through 1939 |
![]() | 1935 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 35" at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 610-000 | |
![]() | 1936 | Embossed green serial on white plate with border line; "36 WISCONSIN" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 667-000 | |
![]() | 1937 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "37 WISCONSIN" at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 714-000 | |
1938 | Embossed black serial on silver plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 1938" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 706-000 | ||
![]() | 1939 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 1939" at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 723-000 | |
![]() | 1940 | Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "WISCONSIN 1940" at top | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to 430-350[2] | First use of the "America's Dairyland" slogan. |
![]() | As above, but with taller serial dies and vertical "WIS-40" used as separator | 430-351 to approximately 747-000 | ||||
![]() | 1941 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "19 WISCONSIN 41" at bottom | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at top | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 791-000 |
1942 to 1952
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | 1942, 1943-45 | Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate; "19 WISCONSIN 42" at bottom | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at top | 123 456 | 1 to 772 000 | Corners were rounded and plates were revalidated for 1943 with white tabs, for 1944 with green tabs, and for 1945 with white tabs, due to metal conservation for World War II. Front plates were removed and replaced with windshield stickers around 1943. Large plates stopped issuing at 720 000 in 1942 and resumed issuing in 1943.[1] |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Late 1942-late 1943 | Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "WIS" at bottom left, embossed oval with debossed date in bottom right corner | none | A12, A1B, AB1, ABC, 12A, 1A2, 1AB, A123, 1A23 | A00 to ZZZ, 00A to 9ZZ, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9K99[1] | Plates were small to save metal for the war. Plates used every serial possible in a three digit format then overflowed to a four digit format; serial formats for three digit plates would progress from A00 to A09, then A0A and so on, treating the letters like numbers. I, L, M, O, Q, and W were not used in serials.[1] Early plates were dated 1942 with the oval the same color as the serial, rest of plates were dated 43 and the oval was white. Plates were validated to 1945 with horizontal tabs in the same color as large plates. |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | 1946–49 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "EXP WISCONSIN" at top, "46" or "47" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at bottom | 1 12345 1/0 12345 | Coded by month of expiration (1 or 1/0) | Plates were set to expire between June 1946 and May 1947; later plates didn't have a "46" or "47" date designation. Plates were revalidated for 1947 with orange tabs, for 1948 with yellow tabs, for 1949 with green tabs, for 1950 with light blue tabs, for 1951 with white tabs, and for 1952 with golden yellow tabs. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 1950–52 | As above, but with square corners and thinner serial dies | 1 12345 1 123-456 1/0 12345 1/0 123-456 | Validated for 1950, 1951 and 1952 in the same manner as for 1946–49 plates. Serials for each month continued from where these plates left off. |
1953 to 1967
In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[3] The 1956 (dated 1957) issue was the first Wisconsin license plate that complied with these standards.
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]()
| 1953–54 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "53" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 | Letter corresponds to month of expiration (see right) | Letters A, B, C, D, E, H, J, K, L, P, T and V were used for January through December respectively; this practice continued through 1960. Revalidated for 1954 with red tabs. |
![]() ![]() | 1955–56 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "55" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 AK-1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | Two-letter serial format introduced in months where serials in the one-letter format had been exhausted. Revalidated for 1956 with yellow tabs. Late plates and remakes measured 6" x 12". |
![]() ![]() | 1957–58 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "57" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 AB-1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | First base plate where all plates are 6" x 12". Revalidated for 1958 with white tabs. K, L, and N used as overflow second letters through 1960. |
![]() ![]() | 1959–60 | Embossed dark green serial on white plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "59" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 AB-1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | Revalidated for 1960 with orange tabs. |
![]() ![]() | 1961–62 | Embossed black serial on light yellow plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "61" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 | Letter corresponds to month of expiration | Two letters assigned for each month (A and B for January, C and D for February and so on up to Y and Z for December, with I and O excluded); this practice continued until 1986. Revalidated for 1962 with stickers. |
![]() ![]() | 1963–64 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "63" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 | Letter corresponds to month of expiration | Revalidated for 1964 with stickers. |
![]() | 1965–67 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "WIS" at top left; month of expiration and "65" at top right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at bottom | A12-345 | Letter corresponds to month of expiration | Revalidated for 1966 and 1967 with stickers. |
1968 to present
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1968–72 | Embossed black serial on reflective yellow plate; month of expiration, "WISCONSIN" and debossed "68" at bottom | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at top | A12-345 AB 1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | |
![]() | 1973–79 | Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; month of expiration, "WISCONSIN" and debossed "73" at bottom | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at top | A12-345 AB 1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | |
![]() | 1980 – June 1986 | As 1968–72 base, but with debossed "80" at bottom right | "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" centered at top | A12-345 AB 1234 | First letter corresponds to month of expiration | Revalidated until 1993. |
![]() | July 1986 – March 1987 | Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate; "WISCONSIN" screened in dark blue at top left and graphics screened at top right featuring a sailboat and sunset, flying geese, and a farm scene; green and dark blue lines separating state name and graphics from serial | "America's Dairyland" screened in dark blue centered at bottom | ABC-123 | AAA-101 to AZZ-999 | Recalled starting in August 1993 and replaced with plates with red serials (below). Letters I, O and Q not used in serials; this practice continues today. |
![]() | March 1987 – December 1994 | As above, but with red serial | BAA-101 to NMD-999 | Serial changed from dark blue to red in response to concerns of confusion with Illinois plates of the time. | ||
![]() | December 1994 – June 2000 | NME-101 to WRE-999 | Narrower dies. All plates with red serials replaced by the end of 2014. | |||
![]() | June 2000 – April 2017 | As above, but with black serial, red state name, graphics revised and green line removed | "America's Dairyland" screened in red centered at bottom | 123-ABC | 101-AAA to 999-ZZZ | Baseplate design updated.
|
![]() | April 2017 – present | ABC-1234 | AAA-1001 to AYG-5500 (as of July 24, 2024) |
Specialty plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Amateur Radio | ca. 2000 to present | As standard passenger base, but with "Amateur Radio" in place of slogan | Amateur Radio | Owner's FCC radio call sign (4-6 characters) | ||
![]() | Blood donation (Versiti) | 2021–present | Embossed white serial on a multi-colored gold-to-red-to-purple background with Versiti logo to left and the rightmost part of the background; WISCONSIN rendered in gold, logo and slogan text in white | Donation Saves Lives (left) Beacon of Hope (lower) | 12345VS | 10001VS to 10258VS (as of December 31, 2023)[5] | |
![]() | Collector | 1972-present | Embossed red serial on a blue background | Collector | 123456 | 1 to present | Collector plates are issued to vehicles 20 years old or older with no major modifications. Plates do not expire once issued and do not require registration stickers. The owner must also have one regularly licensed motor vehicle in Wisconsin in order to receive Collector plates. Collector plates are not valid during the month of January. Subsequent Collector plates issued to the same owner will feature an "A", "B", etc. appended to the initial Collector plate number.[6] |
![]() | Children's Trust Fund | 1999-present | Red on white with multicolored image of child with "Children's Trust Fund" at left. | Celebrate Children | 12345K | 10001K to present | |
![]() | Ducks Unlimited | 2001–present | Embossed black serial on white plate; graphic screened at left featuring yellow state shape, green Ducks Unlimited logo and black silhouettes of flying ducks; "WISCONSIN" screened in red centered at top | "Ducks Unlimited" screened in red centered at bottom | D12345 | D10001 to present | |
![]() | Emergency Medical Services | 2011–present | Embossed black serial on white plate: Service sticker on left featuring the Star of Life; "WISCONSIN" screened in red centered at top | Emergency Medical Services screened in red centered at bottom; red accents across top or bottom available per driver election | 12345EM | 10001EM to 11315EM (as of December 31, 2023)[5] | Issued to active and licensed emergency medical technicians, along with former EMTs retired due to a injury suffered on duty |
![]() | Endangered Resources | 1995-present | Embossed black serial on white plate with wolf image at left | Endangered Resources | 12345E | 10001E to present | |
![]() | 2010-2015 | Screened black serial on plate with various graphics including a badger | 12345E/R | 10001E/R to present | |||
![]() | 2015-present | Embossed black serial on plate with eagle graphic as background | |||||
![]() | Fleet | 2023–present | Embossed black serial on plate with screened green-and-blue waves background | America's Dairyland; FLEET | 12345AF/T | 10001AF/T to 26500AF/T (as of April 27, 2024) | Starting in 2023, Wisconsin introduced a new fleet plate option for entities operating ten or more standard or light-truck vehicles. This plate does not require registration stickers and can be renewed online.[7] |
![]() | Ice Age Trail | 2023-present | Embossed black serial on two-tone blue and yellow background with a woolly mammoth at left. | IceAgeTrail.org | 12345A/T | 10001A/T to 10630A/T (as of January 12, 2024) | |
![]() | Milwaukee Brewers (Glove Logo) | 2010–2020 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; Brewers glove logo graphic screened at left. | Milwaukee Brewers | 1234AB | 1001AB to present | |
![]() | 2020-present | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; Brewers glove logo graphic screened at left. | Brew Crew | 12345A/B | 10001A/B to present | The plate was redesigned in 2020 to match the Brewers' new branding. [8] | |
![]() | Milwaukee Brewers (M Logo) | 2010–2020 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; Brewers "M" logo graphic screened at left. | Milwaukee Brewers | 1234AC | 1001AC to present | |
![]() | 2020-present | 12345A/C | 10001A/C to present | The plate was redesigned in 2020 to match the Brewers' new branding. [9] | |||
![]() | Sesquicentennial of Wisconsin's statehood | 1997 – January 1, 1999, with remakes made until August 1, 2008[10] | Embossed red serial on lake scene. | 1848 WISCONSIN 1998; SESQUICENTENNIAL | 12345T | 10001T to 99999T | Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new optional license plate of 1997 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first and, to date, only time Wisconsin has been so honored. Co-recipient with Manitoba. |
A1234T | A1001T to Z9999T | ||||||
AB123T | AA101T to DW999T | ||||||
![]() | Salutes Veterans | 2006–present | Embossed black serial on white plate; graphic screened at left featuring an eagle, American flag and the Wisconsin flag. | "Salutes Veterans" | 12345Y | 10001Y to 12277Y (as of May 8, 2021) | |
![]() | Spay/Neuter/Adopt | May 2024 — present | Embossed black serial on a rural farm background; a dog, cat, and rabbit are shown at left. | "SPAY-NEUTER-ADOPT" | 12345S/N | 10001S/N to 10039S/N (as of June 12, 2024 | |
![]() | Suicide Prevention Foundation | May 2024 — present | Embossed white serial on green-to-blue gradient background; a lifebuoy is shown at the left, with the organization name between the lifebuoy and the serial. | "Save Lives. Bring Hope." | 12345P/F | 10001P/F to 10002P/F (as of June 12, 2024 | |
![]() | Whitetails Unlimited | 2017–present | Embossed black serial on deer and forest printed backdrop. | "Whitetails Unlimited" | 12345W/U | 10001W/U to 17219W/U (as of May 7, 2021) | An additional $25 donation with registration fee provides funding for Whitetails Unlimited, a group that provides resources for the conservation of whitetail deer. |
![]() | Green Bay Packers | 2001–present | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; graphic screened at left featuring Green Bay Packers logo. | "Green Bay Packers" | 12345G | 10001G to 38528G (as of March 31, 2021) | An additional $25 donation with registration fee provides funding for Lambeau Field. |
![]() | Harley Davidson | 2011–present | Embossed black serial on black, grey and orange plate; graphic screened at left Harley-Davidson's symbol. | "Share The Road" | 12345H/D | 10001H/D to 12753H/D (as of November 2019) | An annual $25 donation with registration fee provides funding towards motorcycle and moped safety and training programs. |
![]() | Nurses Change Lives | 2019–present | Embossed black serial on white plate, red heart and stethoscope graphic at left. | "Nurses Change Lives" | 12345W/N | 10001W/N to 10110W/N (as of August 31, 2020) | An annual $25 donation with registration fee provides funding towards the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives. |
![]() | Road America | 2021–present | Embossed white serial on black, black and white plate; graphic screened at left is a northward rendering of the track's circuit map. | Road America | 12345RA | 10001RA to 20000RA (as of December 31, 2023)[5] | Most issued specialty plate of 2023 behind only hobbyist/collector plates and military service plates. |
Non-passenger plates
Light truck and bus plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Bus | 1988-1994 | Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; "WISCONSIN" at bottom, "BUS" at top | A/B 123 | Coded by weight class (A) | |
![]() | 1995-2004 | As 1987-2000 passenger base, but with embossed red "BUS" in place of slogan | A/B 123 | Coded by weight class (A) | Bottom letter is a constant "B" | |
![]() | 2004–present | As current passenger base, but with embossed black "BUS" in place of slogan | 12345B | 1001B to 30597B (as of April 27, 2023) | ||
![]() | Farm Truck | 1994–2004 | As 1987–2000 passenger base, but with embossed red "FARM" in place of slogan | 123456F | 1001F to approximately 140000F | All Farm Truck plates expire at the end of February in even-numbered years. Narrower serial dies introduced 2001 when 100000F was reached. |
![]() | 2004–08 | As current passenger base, but with red serial, plus embossed red "FARM" in place of slogan | 140001F to approximately 162000F | |||
![]() | 2008–present | As above, but with black serial and "FARM", plus embossed "FEB" at bottom left | 200001F to 318450F, 348451F to 372973F (as of May 17, 2024) | |||
![]() | Light Truck | 1987–94 | Embossed blue serial on tan plate; "WISCONSIN" at bottom and "TRUCK" at top; debossed "88" at bottom right | A/B12-345 | Coded by weight class (A) | Weight classes are as follows: A (4,500 lb and under), B (4,501 to 6,000 lb) and C (6,001 lb to 8,000 lb).[11] In the AB1234 serial format, serials AW1001 through DF9999 were skipped to avoid confusion with Temporary plates. Personalized plates also issued. |
![]() | 1995–2000 | As 1987–2000 passenger base, but with embossed red "TRUCK" in place of slogan | ||||
![]() | 2000–04 | As current passenger base, but with embossed black "TRUCK" in place of slogan, plus sticker for weight class at left | 123456 | 100001 to 999999 | ||
![]() | 2004–present | AB1234 | AA1001 to AV9999; DG1001 to VF1605 (as May 17, 2024) |
Heavy truck and trailer plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Apportioned | 1999-2000 | Embossed red serial on white plate; "APPORTIONED" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; debossed "99" at bottom right | 12345 | 101 to 54164 | Weight classes are truck and heavy truck weight classes. Weight classes are indicated by a letter sticker |
![]() | 2001-2018 | As above but with "APPORTIONED" at bottom and "WISCONSIN" at top and no debossed "99" at bottom right | 65909 to 99999 | |||
12345A | 101W to 99999W | |||||
10001X to 79999X | ||||||
![]() | 2018-present | As above but with a black serial instead of a red serial | 80000X to 99999X | |||
10001Z to 66426Z (as of October 23, 2023) | ||||||
![]() | Trailer | 1992-93 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right | A/B1234 | Coded by weight class (A) | Weight classes are truck and heavy truck weight classes |
![]() | 1994-2008 | Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "94" at bottom right | A/B12345 | Bottom letters (B) started at R then overflowed to T | ||
![]() | 2009-present | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | A Y weight class (14,000 lb) was added in 2009. C and Y weight class trailer plates started at C/A and Y/A respectively, while other trailer plates started where the 1994 series left off | |||
![]() | Heavy Truck | 1992–93 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRUCK" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right | A/B1234 | Coded by weight class (A) | Weight classes are as follows: X (10,000 lb), D (12,000 lb), E (16,000 lb), F (20,000 lb), G (26,000 lb), H (32,000 lb), J (38,000 lb), K (44,000 lb), L (50,000 lb), M (54,000 lb), N (56,000 lb), P (62,000 lb), Q (68,000 lb), R (73,000 lb), S (76,000 lb), and T (80,000 lb).[12] |
![]() | 1994–2008 | Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "TRUCK" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "94" at bottom right | A/B12345 | |||
![]() | 2009–present | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "TRUCK" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | ||||
![]() | Heavy farm truck | 1992-1993 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "FARM" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "FEB" embossed at top right, "93" debossed at bottom right | A/F1234 | Coded by weight class | Issued to farm trucks over 12,000lbs. Weight classes are heavy truck weight classes from E upward. |
![]() | 1994-2008 | Embossed black serial on teal plate; "FARM" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "FEB" embossed at top right; "95" or "94" debossed at bottom right | A/F12345 | Serials start at AF30001. Early plates had a debossed "95" at bottom right, later plates had a debossed "94" at bottom right. | ||
![]() | 2009-Present | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "FARM" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | ||||
![]() | Farm Trailer | 1992-1993 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "FARM TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "DEC" embossed at top right, "92" debossed at bottom right | A/F1234 | Coded by weight class | Serials start at AF1001. Weight classes are same as trailer weight classes. |
![]() | 1994-2008 | Embossed black serial on teal plate; "FARM TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "DEC" embossed at top right, "94" debossed at bottom right | A/F12345 | Serials start at AF5001 | ||
![]() | 2009-Present | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "FARM TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "DEC" embossed at top right | ||||
![]() | Light Trailer | 2000–present | As current passenger base, but with embossed black "TRAILER" in place of slogan | 12345Z/A | 1001Z/A to 15522Z/A (as of March 7, 2024) | Optional plates for regular trailers weighing 3,000 lb or less, and for rental trailers weighing 4,500 lb or less.[13] |
![]() | Semi-Trailer | 1987–present | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "SEMI TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | 123456 | 200001 to 854084 (as of May 16, 2024) | |
![]() | Tractor | 1992-1993 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRACTOR" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right | A/B1234 | Coded by weight class (A) | Weight classes are truck and heavy truck weight classes |
![]() | 1994–2008 | Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "TRACTOR" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "94" at bottom right | A/S12345 | |||
![]() | 2009–present | Embossed black serial on gray plate; "TRACTOR" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively |
Motorcycle and moped plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Autocycle | 2020-August 2022[14] | Embossed black serial on white plate; "WIS APR" screened at bottom offset to left, "AUTOCYCLE" screened at top; year sticker at bottom right | 123A4 | 101A1 to approximately 220B1 | All plates expire April 30th annually |
![]() | September 2022-present | Embossed black serial on white plate; "WIS" at bottom, "AUTOCYCLE" at top | 101C1 to 417C1 (As of May 2024) | |||
![]() | Moped | 1992–2003 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "WIS", year sticker and "MOPED" at bottom; vertical "APR" in center | 12 34 | 10 01 to 99 99 | All moped plates expire on April 30 in even-numbered years.[15] |
12 3A | 10 1A to 99 9Z | |||||
A1 23 | A1 01 to Z9 99 | |||||
A1 2B | A1 1A to E9 9Z | |||||
![]() | 2003–present | Embossed black serial on white plate; "WISCONSIN" at top; year sticker and "MOPED" at bottom; vertical "APR" at left | F1 1A to Z9 9Z | |||
A123B | A101A to D444J (as of April 5, 2023) | |||||
![]() | Motorcycle | 1992–2003 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "WIS", year sticker and "APR" at bottom. | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | All motorcycle plates expire on April 30 in even-numbered years.[15] |
A1234 | A101 to Z9999 | |||||
AB123 | AA101 to KU999 | |||||
![]() | April 2003[16] – present | Embossed black serial on white plate; "WISCONSIN" at top; "APR" and year sticker at bottom | AB 123 | KV 101 to ZZ 999 | ||
1234 A | 1001 A to 9999 Z | |||||
123 AB | 101 AA to 999 VZ, 101 XA to 999 XZ, 101 WA to 699 WM (as of May 21, 2024) |
Governmental plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Municipal | 1957 | Embossed red serial on cream plate; "WIS" at top left, "57" at top right; "MUNICIPAL" at bottom | 12345 | 1 to approximately 16000 | Only rear plates issued.[17] |
![]() | 1969-1988 | Embossed black serial on blue plate; "WISCONSIN" at bottom, "MUNICIPAL" at top | 12345 | 5001 to approximately 65000 | ||
![]() | 1989–2019 | Embossed black serial on straw-colored plate; "MUNICIPAL" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | 12345 | 5001 to 99999 | ||
2019–present | C12345 | C10001 to C23964 (as of April 12, 2024) | ||||
![]() | Official | 1989–present | Embossed black serial on straw-colored plate; embossed hollow star at left; "OFFICIAL" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | 12345 | 3 to 99999 | Serials 1 and 2 reserved for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor respectively; plates with these serials have a second hollow star at the right. Most 1 and 2 plates are unused official souvenir plates [18] |
A1234 | A101 to F2265 (as of November 27, 2023) | |||||
![]() | State Owned | 1981–present | Embossed white serial on red plate, "STATE OWNED" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively | 12345 | 1001 to 20053 (as of April 3, 2024) | Only rear plates issued.[17] |
![]() | State Patrol | Blue on blue-to-white shaded graphic with Wisconsin State Patrol logo | 123 | |||
![]() | State Patrol Motorcycle | Blue on white with Wisconsin State Patrol logo | 1 |
Dealer plates
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Dealer | 2011-2018 | Embossed black serial on aluminum plate; "DEALER" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively | M/V 1234 | Motorcycle dealer plates use motorcycle-sized plates with no prefix, RV dealer plates use an "R/V" prefix in place of an "M/V" prefix, and from 2011-2018 trailer dealer plates used a "T/L" prefix and from 2018 onward used a "W/T" prefix and used a "TRAILER DEALER" caption |
2018-present | M/V 1234A | ||||
![]() | Demonstrator | 2011-2018 | As dealer plate but with "DEMONSTRATOR" in place of caption and embossed "DEC" in lower left corner | T/T 12345 | Used on truck demonstrations in excess of 8,000 lbs.[19] Trailer demonstrator plates use a T/L prefix |
2018-present | T/K 12345 | ||||
![]() | Wholesaler | 2011-2018 | As dealer plate but with "WHOLESALER" in place of caption | M/V 1234 | Used by people who buy and then resell used vehicles [20][21] |
2018-present | As dealer plate | W/H 1234A | |||
![]() | Distributor | 2011-2018 | As dealer plate but with "DISTRIBUTOR" in place of caption | M/V 1234 | Used on vehicles in transit from vehicle manufacturers to vehicle dealerships |
2018-present | As dealer plate | W/D 1234A | |||
![]() | Transporter | 2011-2018 | As demonstrator plate but with "TRANSPORTER" in place of caption | M/V 1234 | Used on vehicles in transit "on their own wheels" or "under their own power" |
2018-present | W/P 12345 | ||||
![]() | Manufacturer | 2011-2018 | As dealer plate but with "MANUFACTURER" caption | M/V 1234 | Used on vehicle manufacturers to test or demonstrate vehicles. Motorcycle manufacturer plates are also issued. |
2018-present | As dealer plate | W/M 1234A | |||
![]() | Finance Company | 2011-2018 | As dealer base, but with "FINANCE CO" in place of caption | M/V 1234 | Used by financial institutions moving or demonstrating repossessed vehicles |
2018-present | W/F 12345 |
Miscellaneous
Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Disabled | 2000–12 | As current passenger base, but with embossed black International Symbol of Access at right | 12345D | 30001D to 99999D[22] | |
![]() | 2012–present | 12345D/S | 10001D/S to 67454D/S (as of July 24, 2023) | |||
![]() | Human services vehicle | 2000-present | As current passenger base | 123-ZYA | 101-ZYA to present | Used on vehicles transporting elderly or disabled people. |
![]() | Low Speed | 2007-present | Embossed black serial on turquoise plate; "LOW SPEED" and "WISCONSIN" at top and bottom respectively | 1234 L/S | 1001 L/S to 2733 L/S (as of July 3, 2024) | |
![]() | Motor Home | 1987–95 | As 1987–2000 passenger base, but with screened dark blue "Motor Home" in place of slogan | 12345 | 10001 to approximately 70000 | |
![]() | 1995–2004 | As above, but with narrower serial dies and "MOTOR HOME" embossed in red | 70001 to 99999 | |||
A1234 | A1001 to approximately B3999 | |||||
![]() | 2005–08 | As above, but with red serial and "MOTOR HOME" | B8000 to approximately D9999 | |||
![]() | 2008–present | As above, but with black serial and "MOTOR HOME" as from 2000–01 | E1001 to approximately F9999, B4051 to B8000, G1001 to M3736 (as of April 16, 2024) | |||
![]() | Temporary | 2004–19 | Red serial on white cardboard plate; state outline in center; "WISCONSIN TEMPORARY" in blue at top; expiration date written at bottom right | A12 34B | A10 01A to P24 66U (as of August 7, 2018) | Discontinued on December 31, 2019. |
![]() | 2020-present | White serial surrounded by black box on white paper plate. "WISCONSIN TEMPORARY PLATE" printed above, with vehicle information to the left, expiration date to the right and the last 6 VIN digits on the bottom. Affixed to the inside of rear windshield. | A1234B, A1234BC | W6171V (as of February 12, 2024), D8604KE (as of February 29, 2024) | Both serial versions issued and in use. |
Discontinued
Image | Type | Dates Issued | Design | Serial Format | Serials Issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Apportioned semi trailer | 1999-2001 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "WISCONSIN" and "APPORTIONED" at top and bottom respectively | S/T12345 | S/T10001 to approximately S/T31000 | According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, plates are now treated as non-expiring semi trailer plates. [13] Discontinued after California dropped the requirement for apportioning trailers [23] |
![]() | BX bus | 1993?-1998 | As 1988 passenger base, but with embossed red "BX BUS" in place of slogan | 1234 BX | 1001 BX? to ? | Used on privately owned urban mass transit vehicles. BX bus plates were merged into bus plates in 2004. |
![]() | Dual purpose farm | 1988-1994 | Embossed dark blue serial on tan plate; "DUAL PURPOSE FARM" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; embossed "JAN" and debossed "88" at bottom left and bottom right respectively (some early plates had a border line) | AZ 1234 | Coded by weight class. Letter progression goes in reverse alphabetical order (AZ 1001-AZ 9999, then AY 1001 and so on) | Issued to trucks used for farm and non-farm purposes. All bases from 1988 onward were revalidated through 2009. |
![]() | 1994-2004 | As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "DUAL PURP FARM" in place of slogan | AZ 1234 | Coded by weight class. Serial picked up where the 1988 base left off | ||
![]() | 2004 | As current passenger base, but with red serial and embossed red "DUAL PURP FARM" in place of slogan | AZ 1234 | Coded by weight class | Unknown if issued for a brief time or if they are error plates. | |
![]() | Dual purpose vehicle | 1988-1994 | As 1988 dual purpose farm base, but with embossed "DUAL PURPOSE VEH" in place of caption | 123456 | 600001 to approximately 625999 | Issued to trucks with slide-in camper trailers. |
![]() | 1994-2004 | As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "DUAL PURP VEH" in place of slogan | 626001 to approximately 632500 | |||
![]() | Driver education | 1998-2004 | As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "DRIVER ED" in place of slogan | 1234 D/E | 4001 D/E to approximately 4900 D/E | After driver education plates were discontinued, some plates were still validated to 2023. Driver education vehicles currently issued passenger plates with 5-year expirations. |
![]() | School bus | 1998-2004 | As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "SCHOOL BUS" in place of slogan | 12345S/B | 40001S/B to approximately 55000S/B | School bus plates were merged into bus plates in 2004, though they still can be identified by inspection stickers. |
![]() | Special-UX | 1992-1994 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "SPECIAL-UX" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "92" at bottom right | AX 1234 | Coded by weight class | Used on trucks and trailers with specific permanently mounted equipment. 1994 plates started at A/X 1001. |
![]() | 1994-2004 | Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "SPECIAL-UX" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "94" at bottom right | ||||
![]() | Special-Z | 1992-1994 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "SPECIAL-Z" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "92" at bottom right | A/Z 1234 | Coded by weight class | Used on empty equipment in transit, particularly excavating and carnival vehicles. 1994 plates started at A/Z 1001. |
![]() | 1994-2004 | Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "SPECIAL-Z" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "94" at bottom | ||||
![]() | For Hire | 1973-1979 | As 1973-79 passenger base. | ZZ 1234 | ZZ 1001 to approximately ZZ 1700 | Phased out in favor of passenger plates around 2004. Issued for use on automobiles used for hire under authority of the Transportation Commission, most commonly taxis and shuttle vehicles. |
![]() | 1980-1986 | As 1980-86 passenger base. | ZZ 1234 | ZZ 1001 to ? | ||
![]() | 2000-2004? | As current passenger base. | 123-ZZA | 101-ZZA to approximately 640-ZZA |
Tribal plates
Tribal and Indian nation plates are given to members and nonmembers who reside on their respective reservation.[24] All truck plates start with "T", except for Oneida, which starts with "TK" in place of "7G" on 1999-2004 plates. Some have disabled plates available. Motorcycle plates are available for all plate designs. Plates also bear special-design expiration stickers unavailable to the rest of the state or other reservations.
Image | Type | Dates Issued | Design | Serial Format | Serials Issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa | 2008-Present | Embossed black serial on red graphic plate, "BAD RIVER BAND" screened on top and "LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA" screened in white below. | A123 | A101 to approximately A789 | |
![]() | Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin | 2020-present | Embossed blue serial on blue, white, and green graphic plate. | 1234HC | 1000HC to ? | |
![]()
| Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians | 2010-Present | Screened black serial on white graphic plate with eagle to the left. "LAC COURTE OREILLES" screened in red at top and "OJIBWE NATION" screened in white inside red box below, or, "VETERAN" screened in red inside white box below. | A123 | A101 to A784 | |
![]() | Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa | 1994-Present | Embossed blue serial, later a black serial and later a screened black serial on red, white and blue graphic plate, "LAC DU FLAMBEAU" screened on top in white and "OJIBWE NATION" screened in white below. Optional "VETERAN" screened vertically in black at left. | 1234, T123 or T1234 | 1001 to approximately 6079, T101 to approximately T1019 | |
![]() | Menominee Tribe/de facto Menominee County | 1980-1990 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with embossed thunderbird symbol to left. "WIS" screened in blue at top and "MENOMINEE NATION" screened in blue below. | A123 | A101 to approximately C177 | |
![]() | 1990-1996 | As 1980-1990 base with inverted colors. | A101 to approximately C224 | |||
![]() | 1996-2000 | Embossed black serial on sky and nature scene graphic plate. "WIS" screened in white at top and "MENOMINEE NATION" screened in white below. | A1234 | A0100 to approximately R0704 | Disabled plates available. Serial sequence shortened to H123 and International Symbol Of Accessibility embossed on right. | |
![]() | 2000-Present | Revised graphics from 1996 base. "WISCONSIN" now screened on top. | A0100 to approximately R3843 | |||
![]() | Oneida Nation of Wisconsin | 1999-2004 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with eagle, pine tree and turtle at left. "ONEIDA NATION" screened in blue in top right. | 7G-1234 | 7G-1001 to approximately 7G-2769 | Disabled plates available. Sequence shortened to D123 and International Symbol Of Accessibility embossed on right. |
![]() | 2004-Present | Embossed black serial on white plate with eagle at left. "ONEIDA NATION" screened in white inside blue box-like graphic in top right. | 6N1234 | 6N1001 to approximately 6N3299 | ||
![]() | Embossed black serial on white and blue graphic plate with clan symbols at left. "ONEIDA NATION" screened in blue above and clan screened in blue below. | 3C1234 | 3C1001 to approximately 3C3779 | |||
![]() | Oneida - Motor Home | 2004-Present | As current eagle base. Black embossed "MOTOR HOME" at bottom. | MH-123 | MH-101 to approximately MH-115 |
References
- ^ a b c d Tanner, Eric N. "Wisconsin Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ a b Turnbull, Andrew. "The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger, 1905-1941". The Andrew Turnbull Network. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
- ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
- ^ Karnopp, Hope (16 April 2024). "Did you get a new Wisconsin electric vehicle sticker in the mail? Here's why". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Karnopp, Hope (19 February 2024). "These are the most popular specialty license plates in Wisconsin". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
- ^ "Collector license plates". Wisconsin DOT. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ Schilz, Indiana. "Wisconsin DMV debuts new, 'stylish' license plate for qualified fleet operators". wearegreenbay.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ Kaster, Ashley. "DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates". Fox 11 News. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ Kaster, Ashley. "DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates". Fox 11 News. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ Wisconsin DMV
- ^ Tanner, Eric N. "Wisconsin Truck-Commercial License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ "Registered gross weight". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ a b "Heavy trucks and trailers license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ "Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Miscellaneous license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Motorcycle and moped license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
- ^ "Wisconsin's new motorcycle plate". LicensePlates.cc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2005. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ a b "Official license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ "Deceptive and Misleading Plates - Wisconsin - ALPCA Archives". Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ "Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Dealer and other motor vehicle industry license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ "Wisconsin Legislature: 218.0101". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ "Wisconsin Legislature: 341.51". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ Turnbull, Andrew. "The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger-Related Types". The Andrew Turnbull Network. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ Turnbull, Andrew. "Trailers & Heavier Trucks, Part 2 - The Wisconsin Pages - The Andrew Turnbull License Plate Gallery". Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ Wisconsin DMV, WisconsinDOT.gov. "Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Tribal/Indian bands license plates". Tribal/Indian bands license plates. Wisconsin DOT. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
External links
- Wisconsin license plates, 1969–present