Wisconsin Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin issues temporary license plates that allow a vehicle to be used on the roads while the Department of Transportation processes permanent registration. This license plate fills the gap between purchasing a vehicle and receiving metal license plates.

Licensed Wisconsin dealers, WisDOT DMV, and third-party title agents issue these plates, depending on the vehicle’s weight and the buyer’s residence. Dealers handle passenger cars and light trucks at the point of sale. The DMV handles heavier vehicles, emissions cases, and military applicants.

Each temporary license plate is a printed paper document. The buyer attaches it to the lower corner of the driver’s side rear window.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does not renew any temporary license plate. The department may issue additional military leave plates to cover an extended leave period according to §341.09(3).

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Wisconsin?

• Passenger cars and light trucks (≤8,000 lbs) must have a permanent or temporary license plate within two business days of purchase according to Wis. Stat. §341.04(1)(bm)2.
• A non-resident purchasing a vehicle in Wisconsin needs a 30-day temporary license plate to transport it to their state for registration.
• Dealers use separate dealer plates for transport; the temporary license plate is intended for the end buyer at the point of sale.
• Vehicles that failed emissions tests in Wisconsin may use a 30-day temporary plate while undergoing repairs.
• Collector and hobbyist registrations exclude use in January, so owners must obtain a separate temporary plate for road use during this month.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Wisconsin?

1. Gather a signed title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, proof of insurance, and a Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card.
2. Choose a path: selling dealer, eMV Public online, third-party title agent, or DMV customer service center.
3. Submit the registration application with all title documents and the appropriate fee through the chosen channel.
4. Pay by credit card, ACH, check, or cash (cash accepted in person only).
5. Receive the license plate: dealers and eMV Public issue a printed plate immediately; DMV service centers and third-party agents issue metal plates on-site.

Mail requests use form MV2505; collector or hobbyist plates for January use form MV2750.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Wisconsin?

Dealers must issue a temporary license plate for free for passenger cars and light trucks according to §341.09(2m)(a)2. An additional $5 special service fee applies only when the dealer provides extra assistance.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Wisconsin?

Partially. Wisconsin residents can obtain a printed temporary license plate through eMV Public when titling and registering passenger cars, SUVs, or light trucks up to 8,000 lbs.

The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and ACH transfers. The printed plate is emailed upon completion. Permanent plates arrive by mail.

Buyers visiting a DMV customer service center receive metal plates the same day, completely bypassing the temporary plate. Third-party title agents also issue metal plates on-site.

For dealer purchases of passenger cars and light trucks, the dealer path is standard. Use eMV Public only for private party purchases when you cannot visit a service center.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Wisconsin?

Operating beyond the expiration invokes Wis. Stat. §341.04, which treats operating an unregistered vehicle as a civil offense. The maximum penalty is $200 for vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 10,000 lbs.