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Vehicle registration plates of Wisconsin

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Wisconsin
Current series
SloganAmerica's Dairyland
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial formatABC-1234
IntroducedJune 2000 (2000-06)
Availability
Issued byWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
History
First issuedJuly 1, 1905 (1905-07-01)

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

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1905 to 1941

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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

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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.


October 1949–52[1] 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

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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

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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.


In May 2024, an orange EV sticker applied to the top right corner of the front and rear plates became compulsory for electric vehicle owners to provide clarity for first responders in an accident.[4]

April 2017 – present ABC-1234 AAA-1001 to AZD-7439 (as of November 4, 2024)

Specialty plates

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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) 		Operator's can put call sign plate on all vehicles owned
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 an injury suffered on duty
Endangered Resources 1995-2006 Embossed red serial on white plate with wolf image at left Endangered Resources 12345E 10001E to approximately 42925E
2007-present As above, but with black text 43000E to 60694E (as of September 2, 2024)
2010-2015 Screened black serial on plate with various graphics including a badger 12345E/R 10001E/R to 13110E/R
2015-present Embossed black serial on plate with eagle graphic as background 13151E/R to 18421E/R (as of September 2, 2024
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

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Light truck and bus plates

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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 VJ3841 (as September 5, 2024)

Heavy truck and trailer plates

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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 80000Z (as of October 2024)
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 860392 (as of October 7, 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

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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 1992–2004 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
July 2004–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] – 2024 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, 101XA to 999XZ, 101WA to 999WZ, 101YA to ?
October 2024 - present As above, but with a shortened state name of "WIS" ? to 259YK (As of November 8, 2024)

Governmental plates

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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 C27194 (as of August 6, 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 F2275 (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 20055 (as of June 14, 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

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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

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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 200-ZYJ (as of 2024) 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 70000
1995–2004 As above, but with narrower serial dies and "MOTOR HOME" embossed in red 70001 to 99999
A1234 A1001 to B3999
2005–08 As current passenger base, but with red serial and "MOTOR HOME" B8000 to 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, A1234BE X1687E (as of October 7, 2024), D8604KE (as of February 29, 2024) Both serial versions issued and in use.

Discontinued

[edit]
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 Issued very briefly before the series was discontinued in October 2004
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

[edit]

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

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  1. ^ a b c d e Tanner, Eric N. "Wisconsin Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Turnbull, Andrew. "The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger, 1905-1941". The Andrew Turnbull Network. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  3. ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ "Collector license plates". Wisconsin DOT. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  7. ^ Schilz, Indiana. "Wisconsin DMV debuts new, 'stylish' license plate for qualified fleet operators". wearegreenbay.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  8. ^ Kaster, Ashley. "DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates". Fox 11 News. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  9. ^ Kaster, Ashley. "DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates". Fox 11 News. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  10. ^ Wisconsin DMV
  11. ^ Tanner, Eric N. "Wisconsin Truck-Commercial License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  12. ^ "Registered gross weight". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  13. ^ a b "Heavy trucks and trailers license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  14. ^ "Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Miscellaneous license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  15. ^ a b "Motorcycle and moped license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  16. ^ "Wisconsin's new motorcycle plate". LicensePlates.cc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2005. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  17. ^ a b "Official license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  18. ^ "Deceptive and Misleading Plates - Wisconsin - ALPCA Archives". Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  19. ^ "Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Dealer and other motor vehicle industry license plates". Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  20. ^ "Wisconsin Legislature: 218.0101". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  21. ^ "Wisconsin Legislature: 341.51". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  22. ^ Turnbull, Andrew. "The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger-Related Types". The Andrew Turnbull Network. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  23. ^ Turnbull, Andrew. "Trailers & Heavier Trucks, Part 2 - The Wisconsin Pages - The Andrew Turnbull License Plate Gallery". Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  24. ^ 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.
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