Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) oversees vehicle registration and license plate issuance in the state. It ensures all vehicles display valid license plates on both the front and rear. The standard Wisconsin license plate issued by WisDOT features white lettering on a black background, displaying the state’s name and nickname “America’s Dairyland,” reflecting Wisconsin’s rich farming history.  The WisDOT is located at the Hill Farms State Office Building, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705. For assistance, you can reach them by phone at (608) 264-7447

How to register a vehicle in Wisconsin

After buying a vehicle or moving to Wisconsin, drivers have 30 days to register their cars. Temporary registration permits are provided while waiting for license plates. These permits allow you to drive for up to 90 days.

To obtain a Wisconsin vehicle title, you need to provide the following:  the driver’s license or ID, certificate of title signed by the previous owner, completed Form MV1, license plates (if transferring), and payment for title fee and sales tax. In addition, you need the last four digits of your social security number and your date of birth. If there is a lienholder listed on the front of the title and the loan has been paid off, a lien release must also be provided. Payment can be made via credit/debit card (with a convenience fee) or checking/savings account (no convenience fee).

Types of Wisconsin license plates

Wisconsin offers various license plate designs, including standard plates for passenger vehicles, disabled parking plates, collector plates for vintage vehicles, and specialty plates supporting various causes. Personalized or vanity plates are available but must be registered in the vehicle owner’s name and not leased or held in trustee.

How to transfer a Wisconsin license plate

Plates can be transferred between different vehicles owned by the same person or between spouses/same-sex domestic partners via online service. However, some license plates cannot be transferred online.​ Complete a plate transfer request form, providing the current plate number and the new vehicle’s VIN. Submit the form with the required documentation to the WisDOT office or local DMV branch. Each plate transfer incurs a fee. Once processed, a new registration for the vehicle with the transferred plate is issued.

How to get a replacement license plate in Wisconsin

Order replacement plates online, by mail, or in person if plates are lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible. A new plate number will be issued, and the old plate should be destroyed.

What information can I get from Wisconsin license plate lookup?

Vehicle history reports provide a comprehensive overview of a vehicle’s background. They include details such as vehicle information (make, model, year), title history (registration status, title transfers), equipment and features, performance metrics (fuel efficiency, safety ratings), various records and reports (recalls, warranties, theft records), financial information (market value, ownership cost), and an inspection checklist. These reports are essential for buyers to make informed decisions and ensure they are aware of any potential issues or risks associated with the vehicle before purchase.

Can I check the name of the vehicle’s owner through a Wisconsin license plate search?

No, you cannot check the owner of a vehicle using a Wisconsin license plate lookup. Personal information such as the vehicle owner’s name and address is not accessible through the tool, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

How do I run a Wisconsin license plate lookup?

To run a Wisconsin license plate lookup, simply enter the license plate number into a reputable online tool or website designed for this purpose. VinAudit.com will then provide basic information for free. For a small fee, you can proceed to generate a comprehensive vehicle history report.