Prior to issuing an original title for a new school bus, or a Wisconsin title for a used school bus purchased out-of-state, the bus must be inspected by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Contact the local
State Patrol Regional Headquarters nearest you for inspection information. There is a $5 issuance fee for five-year school bus plates.
In addition to pre-titling, State Patrol must inspect these vehicles annually. These inspections check such items as brakes, steering, electrical and all required safety equipment. (See Wisconsin Administrative Code
Trans 300).
School bus plates expire in June every five years and receive month, year and vehicle inspection stickers. Place the June month sticker in the lower left corner of the plate; place the year sticker in the lower right corner. The vehicle inspector will place the inspection sticker to the left of the plate number.
Applicable plate type:
- Motor bus (with BSB school bus registration) - BUS
Charter bus
To use a school bus for a charter operation, you need to register as a charter bus and pay regular gross weight registration fees. Quarterly or annual charter registration is available as well as a 72-hour trip permit.
Charter bus registration receives a combined year/month sticker. Place the year/month sticker to the left of the plate numbers and above the vehicle inspection sticker.
Related information: