When you buy a used car in Wisconsin, you’ll get new license plates when you register the vehicle. Standard Wisconsin passenger vehicle plates are included in the $85 registration fee.

Wisconsin also has a variety of specialty and personalized plates to choose from, which cost more. Additional taxes and fees apply to both new and renewal registrations.

Let’s get into the details of license plate costs in the great state of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin passenger license plates cost between $0 to $40, depending on what type of plate you choose.

Here are the options Wisconsin offers for passenger vehicle plates:


The fees vary based on plate type. Additional registration fees apply on top of the base plate costs.

In Wisconsin, the standard "Dairyland" passenger vehicle plate is included with the registration fee. Meaning that it’s free…sort of.

You'll receive the classic Dairyland plates when:


For more info on Wisconsin’s license plate types, visit the official Wisconsin Department Of Transportation page.

Want to make a statement? Personalized plates cost $15. They are also referred to as vanity plates, allowing you to customize your ride with a unique letter and number combo.

When selecting the lettering for your custom Wisconsin plate, there are some restrictions:

Show some team spirit or support a cause with a specialty plate. You can sport a plate that supports your favorite Wisconsin college, cause, or organization.

Wisconsin specialty license plates cost between $15 to $40 in addition to the $85 registration fee.

Here are the available designs:


For more information about specialty license plates, visit the official Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.

Wisconsin offers over 50 different military license plates to honor those who served, including the following options


Wisconsin provides free military license plates to verified veterans, POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and other service members. There is a one-time $15 issuance fee for National Guard plates.

Wisconsin provides disabled license plates to accommodate residents with permanent disabilities. Eligible Wisconsin veterans can get disabled plates at no extra cost beyond regular registration fees.

To apply for disability license plates by mail, you need to send in the following:

1. Completed disabled parking license plate application (Form MV2162)
2. Completed health care certification section

Mail your application to:

WisDOT
Special Plates Unit - DIS
P.O. Box 7306
Madison, WI 53707-7306

The cost for a commercial license plate in Wisconsin ranges from $75 to $1,732 per year depending on the type of commercial vehicle.

These plates are required to legally operate commercial vehicles on Wisconsin roads.

The cost for a motorcycle license plate in Wisconsin is $23 every two years. This biennial registration fee of $23 covers the motorcycle plate and registration required for legal operation.

A trailer license plate costs $50 per year in Wisconsin. Naturally, you only need one license plate for a trailer, and it goes in the rear.

Wisconsin recreational vehicle (RV) plates cost $97.50 per year. This annual fee covers motorhome license plates and registration.

When you sell your used car in Wisconsin, you must dispose of your old plates properly.

Here are the options for old Wisconsin plates:

1. Return: DMV service centers will take back the old plate when issuing a new one. This is the safest option.
2. Recycle: remove any stickers and recycle the plate through local recycling.
3. Keep: some choose to save the old plate as memorabilia. Be sure to invalidate any active stickers first.
4. Transfer: Wisconsin allows you to put your old plate on another vehicle you own. Make sure to check with your county clerk’s office for the proper paperwork for a plate transfer.

It’s always a good idea to deface your old license plate before returning or recycling it. This prevents someone else from illegally using it. Always remove registration stickers before disposing of your plate.

See our state-by-state guide to license plates to learn which states require removal from the vehicle and which states allow the plates to remain with the vehicle when it’s sold.

Here are some interesting facts about Wisconsin license plates:

After you've purchased a car from a private seller, you'll get a new license plate when you register the vehicle in your name with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DoT). Here are the steps you'll take:

1. Gather the required documents, such as your vehicle title, insurance, and driver's license.
2. Visit your local DMV Service Center.
3. Submit the vehicle registration application.
4. Pay applicable registration fees, plate fees, and sales taxes.
5. Get your new plates and registration certificate from the DMV.
6. Attach your new Wisconsin plates to the rear and front of your vehicle. Wisconsin requires two plates.

The standard car title fee in Wisconsin is $164.50.

To transfer a vehicle title to your name online in Wisconsin, you will need the following:

Your credit card or debit card will be charged a convenience/service fee for this service
Your PayPal will be charged a convenience/service fee for this service
Checking/savings account using ACH.

Read our complete guide to a Wisconsin title transfer for more info on the subject.

To register your vehicle at the Wisconsin DOT branch office, you must show proof of used car insurance.

The first time you register a passenger car, you need to transfer ownership if you’ve just acquired it.

Here are the fees you may owe when you register a car in Wisconsin. Note that you’ll owe sales taxes the first time you register a car that you purchase, whereas most other fees are due annually.

You’ll love how smooth and secure the PrivateAuto car-buying process is:

1. Browse used cars for sale by owner. Filter by location, vehicle type, or other criteria.
2. Make offers on vehicles you like (PrivateAuto lets you offer less than the asking price).
3. Communicate via in-app messaging without giving your contact info.
4. Schedule the test drive while keeping your personal details private.
5. Electronically sign the bill of sale along with the seller.
6. Instantly send payment and take ownership of the car.

Our innovative platform connects buyers and sellers and gives them all the tools to complete the deal, from in-app vehicle financing to secure messaging to integrated payments. You can also schedule a test drive and negotiate the price without ever disclosing your personal information.

Here’s how you can sell your car in Wisconsin with a few simple steps:

1. Gather the required paperwork for selling a car in Wisconsin
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Choose a buyer
7. Schedule a meeting
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer title

List your car for sale today!