Temporary license plates

Wisconsin residents

For Wisconsin residents, the mandatory display law requires vehicles weighting 8,000 pounds or less (for example: autocycles, automobiles, and light trucks) to display a permanent or temporary plate within two business days of purchase. A temporary plate valid for 90 days may be issued with proof that all registration fees have been paid.

If you are buying a vehicle from a Wisconsin dealer, the dealer will provide you with a temporary plate if needed.

Options to get a temporary plate:

• Apply online to title and register your new purchase and print a temporary plate upon completion
• If you plan to visit a DMV Customer Service Center you will be issued metal plates immediately (no temporary plate needed)
• Apply at a Temporary Plate Agency
• An agency will charge a $3 temporary plate fee, application fees, and may charge a $5 service fee. Some agents will accept only cash, checks or money orders.

Temporary Plate Agencies

Out-of-state residents

Out of state residents buying a vehicle in Wisconsin may purchase a $3 temporary plate that is valid for 30 days.

Complete the Temporary License Plate Application MV2505, provide proof of purchase (copy of signed title), and mail it to the address provided on form or visit a DMV customer service center offering registration services. If you are going in person to the DMV, you will also be required to pay an additional counter service fee of $5.​

Any member of the U.S. military, U.S. allied military forces, or U.S. Foreign Service on leave or furlough may be issued a temporary plate good for 30 days at no charge to operate a vehicle while on leave. A copy of the active service and furlough is required. The vehicle does not need to be titled or registered in the name of the active military member. Additional temporary plates can be requested to cover the length of the leave.

Complete Temporary License Plate Application MV2505 and mail it to the address provided or visit a DMV customer service center offering registration services.

If your vehicle has Collector or Hobbyist plates, you cannot operate on public roads in the month of January without a temporary plate. You may purchase a temporary plate valid for five consecutive days in January by completing the Collector or Hobbyist Vehicle Temporary License Plate Application MV2750 and mail it with the correct fee to the address provided on the form, or visit a DMV customer service center offering registration services.

A vehicle that does not pass the emission inspection and has expired registration, may still be operated with the purchase of a 30-day temporary plate. This will allow time for repairs needed in order to meet emissions requirements.

The fee for a temporary plate is $3 if purchased by mail. Complete Temporary License Plate Application MV2505 and mail it to the address provided. If you would like to visit a DMV customer service center or a Wisconsin emissions testing station, you will also be required to pay an additional counter service fee of $5.