Originally Posted by the muthafuggin dot site

Registration and Plates

PHONE: (608) 266-1466

When I buy a vehicle, do plates stay on the vehicle or stay with the previous owner?

Automobiles: Stay with previous owner
Trucks A -C Plates: Stay with previous owner
Heavy Trucks D-T Plates: Stay with vehicle
Farm Plates: Stay with previous owner
Motorcycles: Stay with previous owner

May you put your vehicle license plates in areas other than the designated area?

If two plates are issued, one should be in the front and one in the back. Attach firmly and rigidly in a horizontal position and a conspicuous place. Must be displayed so it can be readily read. Rear plate must have a lamp illuminating the plate 50 feet to the rear. See Wisconsin statute 347.13(3). PDF

Do I have to have a front license plate?

Yes, for passenger cars and light trucks.

What types of vehicles don't need front license plates in Wisconsin?

Municipal, state, apportioned vehicles and base plate tractors

When I buy a vehicle from another state, how do I register it in Wisconsin? May I drive it home?

You should be able to get an in-transit plate or temporary permit, then register the vehicle when you return to Wisconsin.

If l buy a car in Wisconsin and want to register it in another state, how do I get it home?

Temporary registration is available. See Temporary license plates.

After I buy a vehicle, how many days do I have to register it in my name?

Wisconsin law requires buyers of cars and small trucks (8,000 pounds or less) to display a permanent or temporary plate within two business days of purchase. See Temporary license plates.

I lost my title and now I want to sell my vehicle. How do I go about it?

You must make application for a duplicate title. See Replacement titles. You cannot sell a vehicle without a title.

I've recently moved. How do I notify DMV of my address change?

You can call (608) 266-2353, 24 hours a day to change your address on your driver license. See Change of address for information on change of address for your registration/license plates.

I just bought a vehicle from a private party "today" and now I want to sell it. Since the previous owner signed the title over to me, do I have to get a title registered in my name first, or can I just sign the original title over to the person who wants to purchase the vehicle?

You have to put the title in your name so sales tax is paid.

I want to transfer my title to my son. How do I do that?

See Applying for title and registration to download an MV1 form. No tax is paid if the transfer is to immediate family.

I lost my renewal notice? What do I do?

See Lost renewal notice.

How do I renew my license plates?

See License plate renewal options.