Here's what to do when your Wisconsin license plate begins to fade or becomes illegible

Drake Bentley
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A faded license plate is seen on a vehicle in Madison on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Over time, due to environmental factors, license plates begin to fade and become illegible — which could result in a citation.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has processes in place for drivers looking to replace these illegible plates.  

Most replacement orders are made online through a Wisconsin DOT portal, although the process can be completed at the DMV or through the mail.

And the Wisconsin DOT will soon start to send drivers fresh plates if theirs are older than 10 years.

Here's what to know.

At what point, according to Wisconsin law, do I need to replace fading license plates? 

The Wisconsin state statute states: "Whenever a current registration plate becomes illegible, the owner of the vehicle to which the plate is attached shall apply to the department for a replacement."

License plates are considered illegible when "they are unable to be read from a normal following distance," Wisconsin DOT spokesperson Terry Walsh said.

"A faded license plate or a missing letter or number would be enough to require the replacement of the plate," Walsh said. 

Is law enforcement pulling people over?

Yes.

"The Wisconsin State Patrol actively enforces this law," Walsh said. 

A first offense will likely result in a warning from the State Patrol, but State Patrol members will provide a timeframe to replace the plate, Walsh said. 

How much is the ticket?

Improper display of registration plates can result in a citation and forfeiture totaling $150.10, according to the Wisconsin DOT. 

How do I replace a fading plate?

Drivers can order a replacement plate online, through the mail, or in person.

Can I order a replacement plate if I have a personalized plate?

Yes, but you are not eligible to complete the process online.

To view a list of special design plates not allowed for online replacement, visit Wisconsin DOT's replacement plate restrictions website

How much does it cost to replace my plate?

For standard dual-plate vehicles, the cost is $8. This applies to automobiles, trucks, buses and motorhomes.

For single-plate vehicles, the cost is $4. This applies to motorcycles, mopeds, trailers and tractors. 

For special group plates (Packers, military, EMS, University of WI group), the cost is between $10 and $12. 

For personalized plates, the cost is $4 to $6 per plate. 

Drivers who use a credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee of 2%. 

How do I order a replacement plate online? 

Drivers must visit wisconsindmv.gov/replacement-plates.

Drivers must have the following items ready: 

  • Your Wisconsin driver's license or ID card number
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth

Or you can have the following:

  • Your full name
  • Your complete Social Security number
  • Your date of birth

Drivers must also have a printer, or access to a printer, to print a certificate of registration and temporary license plate, which should be displayed in the rear window or rear passenger window on the driver's side. 

Drivers must enter a valid email address and vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle, which can be found on your certificate of registration or on the vehicle

A credit or debit card or checking or savings account information is needed for payment. 

Click "Start Now" on the replacement website to begin the process.

A replacement plate should arrive within four weeks. Once the online transaction is completed, you cannot cancel it or receive a refund.

How do I order a replacement plate through the mail?

Drivers looking to order a replacement plate by mail must complete and sign the duplicate or replacement license plate application form (MV2118). 

You will need all the same basic information required for the online process. 

For payment, submit a check or money order made payable to: Registration Fee Trust. Mail the payment to WI Dept. of Transportation, P.O. Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707.

Processing times will be longer for mailed-in applications, the Wisconsin DOT said. 

How do I order a replacement plate in person? 

Print out and complete the replacement license plate application form (MV2118) before visiting the DMV for faster service. 

To find the nearest DMV, visit the DMV service center website at wisconsindot.gov

Drivers must present a driver's license/identification card as proof of identity.

The DMV accepts ​cash, check/money order and credit/debit card.

In addition, there is a $5 counter service fee​.

Wisconsin's snow is part of why license plates fade

"The primary factor that leads to illegibility issues is time," Walsh said.

And what's happening to the car during that time can have a big impact.

"The amount of time a vehicle is outside in Wisconsin’s harsh winters is seen as a contributing factor to the deterioration," Walsh said. "Salt accumulation or neglecting to wash a vehicle can contribute to delamination of the sheeting. The amount of time in direct sunlight can also be a contributing factor to fading." 

Wisconsin will soon begin replacing plates that are older than 10 years

The Wisconsin DOT said license plates commonly lose significant reflectivity within 10 years, so it's best to replace plates every 10 years.

This is why the Wisconsin DOT worked with the Legislature to pass Wisconsin Act 163, which went into effect in July 2022. It requires the Wisconsin DOT to replace plates that are 10 or more years old when vehicle owners apply to renew their registrations.

"Within the next year, (Wisconsin DOT) will begin the incremental process of issuing new plates by age," Walsh said. 

Contact Drake Bentley at (414) 391-5647 or DBentley1@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DrakeBentleyMJS