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
County |
City |
Agent |
Address |
Hours |
Telephone |
Eau Claire | Augusta | City of Augusta | 145 W. Lincoln St. 54722 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F | (715) 286-2555 |
Pepin | Pepin | Pepin Police Dept. | 508 2nd St. 54759 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m., M-F | (715) 442-2461 |
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.