Vehicle registration plates of Wisconsin explained

Slogan Label:	Slogan
Slogan:	America's Dairyland
Size:	12x
Material:	Aluminum
Serial Format:	ABC-1234
Issuer:	Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles

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

Dates issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	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		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	First use of the "America's Dairyland" slogan.
1940	As above, but with taller serial dies and vertical "WIS-40" used as separator	"AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at bottom	123-456	430-351 to approximately 747-000	First use of the "America's Dairyland" slogan.
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

Dates issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	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 in 1942 and resumed issuing in 1943.
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	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. 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 12345	Coded by month of expiration (1 or)	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	"AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" at bottom	1 12345 1 123-456 12345	Coded by month of expiration (1 or)	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 6inches in height by 12inches in width, with standardized mounting holes.^[3] The 1956 (dated 1957) issue was the first Wisconsin license plate that complied with these standards.

Dates issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	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	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

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		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	As above, but with red serial			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		"America's Dairyland" screened in red centered at bottom		AAA-1001 to AYG-5500

Specialty plates

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)
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.^[5]
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)	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		12345	10001 to present
	2015-present	Embossed black serial on plate with eagle graphic as background		12345	10001 to present
Fleet	2023–present	Embossed black serial on plate with screened green-and-blue waves background	America's Dairyland; FLEET	12345A	10001A to 26500A	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.^[6]
Ice Age Trail	2023-present	Embossed black serial on two-tone blue and yellow background with a woolly mammoth at left.	IceAgeTrail.org	12345	10001 to 10630
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
Milwaukee Brewers (Glove Logo)	2020-present	Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; Brewers glove logo graphic screened at left.	Brew Crew	12345	10001 to present	The plate was redesigned in 2020 to match the Brewers' new branding. ^[7]
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
Milwaukee Brewers (M Logo)	2020-present		Milwaukee Brewers	12345	10001 to present	The plate was redesigned in 2020 to match the Brewers' new branding. ^[8]
Sesquicentennial of Wisconsin's statehood	1997 – January 1, 1999, with remakes made until August 1, 2008^[9]	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"	12345	10001 to 10039
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."	12345	10001 to 10002
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)^[10]	Most issued specialty plate of 2023 behind only hobbyist/collector plates and military service plates.

Non-passenger plates

Light truck and bus plates

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	123	Coded by weight class (A)
	1995-2004	As 1987-2000 passenger base, but with embossed red "BUS" in place of slogan	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
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.
		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
Light Truck	1987–94	Embossed blue serial on tan plate; "WISCONSIN" at bottom and "TRUCK" at top; debossed "88" at bottom right		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		Coded by weight class (A)
	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

Heavy truck and trailer plates

Type	Dates issued	Design	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
Apportioned		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	12345	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
	2018-present	As above but with a black serial instead of a red serial		10001Z to 66426Z
Trailer	1992-93	Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRAILER" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right	1234	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	12345	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	12345	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		Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRUCK" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right	1234	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	12345
	2009–present	Embossed black serial on gray plate; "TRUCK" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively	12345
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	1234	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	12345		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	12345
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	1234	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	12345		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	12345
Light Trailer	2000–present	As current passenger base, but with embossed black "TRAILER" in place of slogan	12345	1001 to 15522	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
Tractor	1992-1993	Embossed green serial on white plate; "TRACTOR" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively; "92" at bottom right	1234	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	12345
	2009–present	Embossed black serial on gray plate; "TRACTOR" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively	12345

Motorcycle and moped plates

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
Autocycle	September 2022-present	Embossed black serial on white plate; "WIS" at bottom, "AUTOCYCLE" at top	123A4	101C1 to 417C1
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	A1 2B	F1 1A to Z9 9Z
	2003–present		A123B	A101A to D444J
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.
			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

Governmental plates

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
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]
Official	1989–present		A1234	A101 to F2265
State Owned	1981–present	Embossed white serial on red plate, "STATE OWNED" and "WISCONSIN" centered at top and bottom respectively	12345	1001 to 20053	Only rear plates issued.
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

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	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
Dealer	2018-present		1234A
Demonstrator	2011-2018	As dealer plate but with "DEMONSTRATOR" in place of caption and embossed "DEC" in lower left corner	12345	Used on truck demonstrations in excess of 8,000 lbs.^[19] Trailer demonstrator plates use a T/L prefix
Demonstrator	2018-present
Wholesaler	2011-2018	As dealer plate but with "WHOLESALER" in place of caption	1234	Used by people who buy and then resell used vehicles ^[20] ^[21]
Wholesaler	2018-present	As dealer plate
Distributor	2011-2018	As dealer plate but with "DISTRIBUTOR" in place of caption	1234	Used on vehicles in transit from vehicle manufacturers to vehicle dealerships
Distributor	2018-present	As dealer plate	1234A
Transporter	2011-2018	As demonstrator plate but with "TRANSPORTER" in place of caption	1234	Used on vehicles in transit "on their own wheels" or "under their own power"
Transporter	2018-present		12345
Manufacturer	2011-2018	As dealer plate but with "MANUFACTURER" caption	1234	Used on vehicle manufacturers to test or demonstrate vehicles. Motorcycle manufacturer plates are also issued.
Manufacturer	2018-present	As dealer plate
Finance Company	2011-2018	As dealer base, but with in place of caption	1234	Used by financial institutions moving or demonstrating repossessed vehicles
Finance Company	2018-present	As dealer base, but with in place of caption	12345

Miscellaneous

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]
Disabled	2012–present		12345	10001 to 67454
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	1001 to 2733 (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	12345	70001 to 99999
	1995–2004		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
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	Discontinued on December 31, 2019.
Temporary	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

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		10001 to approximately 31000	According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, plates are now treated as non-expiring semi trailer plates. 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.
Dual purpose vehicle	1994-2004	As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "DUAL PURP VEH" in place of slogan	123456	626001 to approximately 632500	Issued to trucks with slide-in camper trailers.
Driver education	1998-2004	As 1994 passenger base, but with embossed red "DRIVER ED" in place of slogan	1234	4001 to approximately 4900	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	12345	40001 to approximately 55000	School bus plates were merged into bus plates in 2004, though they still can be identified by inspection stickers.
	1992-1994	Embossed green serial on white plate; "SPECIAL-UX" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "92" at bottom right		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		Coded by weight class
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	1234	Coded by weight class	Used on empty equipment in transit, particularly excavating and carnival vehicles. 1994 plates started at A/Z 1001.
Special-Z	1994-2004	Embossed black serial on light teal plate; "SPECIAL-Z" and "WISCONSIN" embossed at top and bottom respectively; debossed "94" at bottom	1234	Coded by weight class
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.

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.	A123	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.	A1234	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
	2004-Present	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

External links

Wisconsin license plates, 1969–present

Notes and References

Web site: Tanner . Eric N. . Wisconsin Passenger License Plates . allaboutlicenseplates.com . December 9, 2020.
Web site: Turnbull . Andrew . The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger, 1905-1941 . The Andrew Turnbull Network . August 16, 2017.
Garrish . Christopher . October 2016 . Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size . Plates . . 62 . 5.
News: Did you get a new Wisconsin electric vehicle sticker in the mail? Here's why.. Karnopp. Hope. 16 April 2024. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 9 July 2024.
Web site: Collector license plates . Wisconsin DOT . July 4, 2024.
Web site: Schilz . Indiana . Wisconsin DMV debuts new, ‘stylish’ license plate for qualified fleet operators . wearegreenbay.com . December 10, 2023.
Web site: Kaster . Ashley . DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates . Fox 11 News . July 4, 2024.
Web site: Kaster . Ashley . DMV releases new Milwaukee Brewers license plates . Fox 11 News . July 4, 2024.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/sesquifaq.htm Wisconsin DMV
News: These are the most popular specialty license plates in Wisconsin. Karnopp. Hope. 19 February 2024. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 12 March 2024.
Web site: Tanner . Eric N. . Wisconsin Truck-Commercial License Plates . allaboutlicenseplates.com . December 9, 2020.
Web site: Registered gross weight . Wisconsin Department of Transportation . November 7, 2020.
Web site: Heavy trucks and trailers license plates . Wisconsin Department of Transportation . December 10, 2020.
Web site: Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Miscellaneous license plates . . November 29, 2022.
Web site: Motorcycle and moped license plates . . June 1, 2020.
Web site: Wisconsin's new motorcycle plate . LicensePlates.cc . https://web.archive.org/web/20050222095723/http://www.licenseplates.cc/story.php?id=94 . February 22, 2005 . December 10, 2014.
Web site: Official license plates . Wisconsin Department of Transportation . September 25, 2020.
Web site: Deceptive and Misleading Plates - Wisconsin - ALPCA Archives . Automobile License Plate Collectors Association . February 22, 2021.
Web site: Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Dealer and other motor vehicle industry license plates . Wisconsin Department of Transportation . February 22, 2021.
Web site: Wisconsin Legislature: 218.0101 . Wisconsin State Legislature . February 22, 2021.
Web site: Wisconsin Legislature: 341.51 . Wisconsin State Legislature . February 22, 2021.
Web site: Turnbull . Andrew . The Wisconsin Pages: Passenger-Related Types . The Andrew Turnbull Network . July 4, 2020.
Web site: Turnbull . Andrew . Trailers & Heavier Trucks, Part 2 - The Wisconsin Pages - The Andrew Turnbull License Plate Gallery . December 11, 2020.
Web site: Wisconsin DMV . WisconsinDOT.gov . Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Tribal/Indian bands license plates . Tribal/Indian bands license plates . Wisconsin DOT . 1 March 2021.