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Yes.

A law that took effect in July 2022 requires Wisconsin vehicle owners to replace their license plates at least once every 10 years.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reissues plates when vehicle registration is up for renewal or when 10 or more years have eclipsed since the original plates were issued. Vehicle owners must replace their plates sooner if they become illegible.

Even if your plates are in good condition, the department says they must still be replaced, as they “are losing their reflectivity and are no longer as safe.”

Improper display of plates can result in fines up to $150. If the plates are peeling or faded, motorists can order replacements online, through the mail or in person. The standard replacement cost is $8 for front and back plates.

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Wisconsin State Legislature: 2021 Wisconsin Act 163

Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Reissuance of license plates

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here’s what to do when your Wisconsin license plate begins to fade or becomes illegible

Wisconsin State Legislature: Act Memo: Construction and Issuance of Motor Vehicle Registration Plates

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Are Wisconsin vehicle owners required to replace their license plates every 10 years?

by Jacob Alabab-Moser / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch
February 8, 2023

<h1>Are Wisconsin vehicle owners required to replace their license plates every 10 years?</h1> <p class="byline">by Jacob Alabab-Moser / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch <br />February 8, 2023</p> <br /> <h2>Yes. </h2> <p>A law that took effect in July 2022 requires Wisconsin vehicle owners to replace their license plates at least once every 10 years.</p> <p>The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reissues plates when vehicle registration is up for renewal or when 10 or more years have eclipsed since the original plates were issued. Vehicle owners must replace their plates sooner if they become illegible.</p> <p>Even if your plates are in good condition, the department says they must still be replaced, as they "are losing their reflectivity and are no longer as safe."</p> <p>Improper display of plates can result in fines up to $150. If the plates are peeling or faded, motorists can order replacements online, through the mail or in person. The standard replacement cost is $8 for front and back plates.</p> <p><em>This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/wisconsin/comments/10s9369/comment/j71r5ct/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this one.</a></em></p> <p><strong>Sources</strong></p> <p>Wisconsin State Legislature: <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/related/acts/163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Wisconsin Act 163</a></p> <p>Wisconsin Department of Transportation: <a href="https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/reissuance-default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reissuance of license plates</a></p> <p>Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: <a href="https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/08/29/wisconsin-license-plate-fading-what-do-when-becomes-illegible/10321971002/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's what to do when your Wisconsin license plate begins to fade or becomes illegible</a></p> <p>Wisconsin State Legislature: <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/related/lcactmemo/act163.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Act Memo: Construction and Issuance of Motor Vehicle Registration Plates</a></p> <p>This <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinwatch.org/2023/02/are-wisconsin-vehicle-owners-required-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-10-years/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinwatch.org">Wisconsin Watch</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/wisconsinwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-WCIJ_IconOnly_FullColor_RGB-1.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://wisconsinwatch.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=1276620&ga=UA-17896820-1" style="width:1px;height:1px;"></p> Copy to Clipboard

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