Temporary license plates

Temporary plates are issued on a short-term basis (5-90 days).

License plate

When you may need a temporary Wisconsin license plate:

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

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.

How to display a temporary plate

Tape the temporary plate inside lower corner of rear window on the driver’s side:


Primary location for temporary plate

If you are unable to display the plate due to window size, tape temporary plate to rear passenger window on the driver's side (see example below):


Secondary location for temporary plate

Temporary plates cannot be issued for:

  • Vehicles that do not have current/paid registration
    • A Wisconsin resident who buys a vehicle must pay the regular registration fee in order to obtain a temporary plate.
    • If you are selling your vehicle through private sale, and have transferred your plates to a newer vehicle, you cannot apply for a temporary plate for the purposes of test driving.​
  • Buses (except school buses owned by a non-resident)
  • For hire vehicles (a vehicle used for transporting passenger or property for compensation)
  • Vehicles operated quarterly or consecutive monthly (For example, buses, trucks, truck tractors or trailers when registered gross weight is over 8,000 pounds)
  • Vehicles subject to registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
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Questions?
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