Chapter 341

341.09(2) (2) 

341.09(2)(a) (a) Upon request therefor by a person who has made a verifiable application for registration and paid the registration fee, the department shall issue a temporary operation permit or plate if it appears that the person would otherwise be unable to lawfully operate the vehicle pending receipt of the registration plates.

341.09(2)(b) (b) If the department is not able to verify that an application has been submitted, the department may issue a temporary operation permit or plate if it is satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle and the applicant submits another application with all fees normally required to title and register the vehicle. The fee paid under this paragraph shall be refunded upon completion of processing of the original application.

341.09(2)(d) (d) The department may issue temporary operation plates for use on any vehicle except buses, for-hire vehicles and vehicles which are subject to registration under the international registration plan if the state is a party to such plan. The department shall determine the size, color, design, form and specifications of the plate. The department shall charge a fee of $3 for each temporary operation plate issued under this subsection.

341.09(2)(e) (e) Sections 341.13 and 341.14 do not apply to plates issued under this subsection.

341.09(2)(f) (f) Nothing in this subsection requires a person who has complied with s. 341.04 (1) to obtain a temporary operation plate under this subsection.

341.09(2)(g) (g) A temporary operation plate may not be issued under this subsection to a state resident for use on an automobile or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less.

341.09(2m) (2m) 

341.09(2m)(a) (a)

341.09(2m)(a)1. 1. Upon request by a dealer licensed in this state, the department may issue any number of temporary operation plates and temporary permits to a dealer under sub. (2) at a fee of $3 per item. The dealer may issue the temporary operation plate or permit at a fee of $3 to any of the following:

341.09(2m)(a)1.a. a. Except as provided in subd. 2., a state resident who purchases or leases from the dealer any type of vehicle except buses, for-hire vehicles and vehicles which are subject to registration under the international registration plan if the state is a party to such plan, for use on such vehicle.

341.09(2m)(a)1.b. b. A state resident who purchases or leases an automobile or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less from a person other than the dealer for use on such vehicle if the state resident submits to the dealer a complete application for registration of the vehicle, including evidence of any inspection under s. 110.20 when required, and for a new certificate of title for a purchased vehicle, together with a check or money order made payable to the department for all applicable title, registration, security interest and sales tax moneys, for transmittal to the department by the dealer.

341.09(2m)(a)1m. 1m. The department shall issue temporary operation plates and temporary permits to a dealer under this subsection solely in an electronic format.

341.09(2m)(a)2. 2. Each dealer shall issue a temporary operation plate or a temporary permit without charge to any state resident who purchases or leases from the dealer an automobile or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less, for use on such vehicle if the state resident submits to the dealer a complete application for registration of the vehicle, including evidence of inspection under s. 110.20 when required, and for a new certificate of title for a purchased vehicle, together with a check or money order made payable to the department for all applicable title, registration, security interest, and sales tax moneys, for transmittal to the department by the dealer.

341.09(2m)(a)3. 3. The department shall prescribe the manner in which a dealer shall keep records of temporary operation plates and temporary permits issued by the dealer.

341.09(2m)(d) (d) If the department determines that a dealer has misused temporary operation plates or permits issued under this subsection or sub. (4) or has failed to comply with the requirements of this section or rules issued under this section, the department may issue an order prohibiting the dealer from issuing temporary operation plates or permits. Within 30 days after the issuance of the order, the dealer may request a hearing before the division of hearings and appeals. The division of hearings and appeals shall schedule a hearing with reasonable promptness. The dealer may not issue any temporary operation plates or permits until after the division of hearings and appeals holds its scheduled hearing and issues its findings.

341.09(3) (3) Upon application to the department by a person engaged in the active military service of the United States or its allies or who is a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943 who is on active duty and upon satisfactory proof of the active military or foreign service status of the applicant and of being granted a furlough, the department shall issue to the applicant without charge a temporary operation plate that authorizes the applicant to operate any vehicle owned or designated by the applicant without registration of the vehicle. The plate is valid only while the applicant is on furlough and for a period not to exceed 30 days. The department shall determine the size, color, design, form, and specifications of a plate issued under this subsection. The plate may be similar or identical to a plate issued under sub. (2).

341.09(4) (4) Upon receipt of an application and a fee of $3, the department shall register a vehicle purchased or leased in this state by a nonresident for a period not to exceed 30 days. The department shall determine the size, color, design, form and specifications of a plate issued under this subsection. The plate may be similar or identical to a plate issued under sub. (2). The department may issue the plates to dealers at a fee of $3 per plate in the manner and for the purpose provided in sub. (2m).

341.09(5) (5) The department may issue a temporary operation permit or plate which is valid for a period of 30 days upon request of the owner of a vehicle which is subject to the inspection required by s. 110.20 (6). The department shall charge a fee of $3 for each temporary operation permit or plate issued under this subsection. The department shall determine the size, color, design, form and specification of the plate.

341.09(6) (6) The department may, in instances of special transportation need as determined by the department, issue a trip permit which is valid for a 72-hour period to the owner or operator of a vehicle which is eligible for quarterly registration under s. 341.30 or consecutive monthly registration under s. 341.305. The fee for the trip permit shall be not less than $15. The secretary may waive the fee for the trip permit if the secretary determines that waiver is appropriate under the circumstances.

341.09(7) (7) The owner of a special interest vehicle registered under s. 341.266 (2) (a) or a reconstructed, replica, street modified or homemade vehicle registered under s. 341.268 (2) (a) may, upon payment of a fee of $5 and application to the department, be issued a permit for operation of the vehicle for a period not to exceed 5 successive days during the month of January. The permit shall be valid only in the calendar year for which the permit is issued. The department shall prescribe the form of the application and permit and the manner in which the permit shall be displayed. The owner may be issued additional permits in subsequent years upon application and payment of the required fee.

341.09(8) (8) The department may issue a temporary operation plate to a person who is eligible for the issuance of a special plate for a motorcycle under s. 341.14 (1e) if the department determines that the person’s disability is temporary. The plate shall contain the information specified in sub. (1m) and comply with s. 341.13 (2m), if applicable. The plate shall otherwise be similar to or identical to plates issued under s. 341.14 (1e). No charge in addition to the registration fee may be made for the issuance of a plate under this subsection.

341.09(9) (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department shall issue a temporary operation plate or a temporary permit without charge for an automobile or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less upon receipt of a complete application accompanied by the required fee for registration of the vehicle, including evidence of any inspection under s. 110.20 when required, if the department does not immediately issue the regular registration plates for the vehicle and the department determines that the applicant has not otherwise been issued a temporary operation plate or a temporary permit under this section.

341.09(10) (10) A dealer that violates sub. (2m) (a) or any rule promulgated under this section or that misuses temporary operation plates or permits issued under sub. (2m) (a) may be required to forfeit not less than $500 nor more than $5,000.

341.09 History History: 1975 c. 32, 351; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a), (e); 1977 c. 273; 1981 c. 150, 391; 1983 a. 27, 180; 1987 a. 100 s. 3; 1987 a. 369; 1989 a. 137, 304, 359; 1991 a. 39, 81, 189; 1993 a. 16, 165, 288; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 80; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 25; 2011 a. 260 s. 81; 2011 a. 262; 2015 a. 323; 2021 a. 239 s. 74; 2023 a. 45.

341.09 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 132, Wis. adm. code.

341.10 341.10 Grounds for refusing registration. The department shall refuse registration of a vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

341.10(1) (1) The required state fee and any municipal vehicle registration fee imposed by the town, village or city in which the vehicle is customarily kept has not been paid for the specific vehicle, and the department may refuse registration of a vehicle if such fees for the current period or for any previous period for which payment of a registration fee is required by law have not been paid on any other vehicles owned by the applicant for registration.

341.10(2) (2) The applicant has failed to furnish any of the following:

341.10(2)(a) (a) If applicable, the power of attorney required under 15 USC 1988 or rules of the department.

341.10(2)(b) (b) Unless exempted by rule of the department, the mileage disclosure from the most recent titled owner and of all subsequent nontitled owners of the vehicle.

341.10(2)(c) (c) Other information or documents required by law or by the department pursuant to authority of law.

341.10(3) (3) A certificate of title is a prerequisite to registration of the vehicle and, except for an applicant who is the lessee of a vehicle, a valid certificate of title has not been issued to the applicant for the vehicle and the applicant is not entitled to the issuance of a certificate of title.

341.10(4) (4) The applicant’s registration has been suspended or revoked and such suspension or revocation still is in effect.

341.10(5) (5) The vehicle is exempt from registration under this chapter and voluntary registration of the vehicle is not expressly authorized.

341.10(6) (6) The vehicle was manufactured after 1969 and does not meet manufacturer or importer certification label requirements as specified in 49 CFR 567 or the vehicle is a Kei class vehicle. This subsection does not apply to former military vehicles, historic military vehicles, as defined in s. 341.269 (1) (a), for which the department receives an application, and which are eligible, for registration under s. 341.269, or special interest vehicles, as defined in s. 341.266 (1) (c), for which the department receives an application, and which are eligible, for registration under s. 341.266.

341.10(7) (7) A court has notified the department under s. 345.47 (1) (d) that a judgment has been entered against the applicant and the judgment remains unpaid.

341.10(7m) (7m) An authority has notified the department under s. 345.28 (4) that a citation for a nonmoving traffic violation has been issued against the applicant and the applicant has not paid the citation or appeared in court to respond to the citation or that the applicant has not paid towing and storage charges associated with a citation for a nonmoving traffic violation issued against the applicant.

341.10(7r) (7r) A city has notified the department under s. 345.285 (2) (b) 1. that one or more citations for nonmoving traffic violations have been issued against the applicant and the applicant has not paid the citations or appeared in court to respond to the citations.

341.10(8) (8) The vehicle is not eligible for registration under s. 285.30 (6).

341.10(10) (10) The vehicle requires inspection under s. 110.20 (6) and any of the following applies:

341.10(10)(a) (a) The vehicle has not been inspected.

341.10(10)(b) (b) The most recent inspection of the vehicle under s. 110.20 (6) indicates noncompliance unless the department has issued a temporary operating permit under s. 110.20 (10) (b) or a waiver of compliance under s. 110.20 (13).

341.10(10)(c) (c) The most recent inspection of the vehicle under s. 110.20 (6) involved a violation of s. 110.20 (11) (c).

341.10(11) (11) The applicant has failed to furnish proof of payment, in the form prescribed by the U.S. secretary of the treasury, that the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed by section 4481 of the internal revenue code has been paid.

341.10(12) (12) The vehicle is required to be inspected under s. 110.063 (2) and any of the following applies:

341.10(12)(a) (a) The vehicle has not been inspected.

341.10(12)(b) (b) The most recent inspection of the vehicle indicates noncompliance with ss. 110.063 and 110.075, ch. 347 or rules promulgated under those sections or ch. 347.

341.10(14) (14) The vehicle has a mobile air conditioner, as defined in s. 100.45 (1) (b), the distribution of which in this state would be prohibited under s. 100.45 (2).

341.10(15) (15) The vehicle is required to be inspected under s. 110.05 and any of the following applies:

341.10(15)(a) (a) The vehicle has not been inspected.

341.10(15)(b) (b) The most recent inspection of the vehicle indicates noncompliance with ss. 110.05 and 110.075 or ch. 347 or rules promulgated under those sections or ch. 347.

341.10(16) (16) The applicant has applied for registration under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405 and, in the registration application, the applicant has identified as the motor carrier responsible for the safety of the motor vehicle to be registered a motor carrier for which the department has received notice that the motor carrier is subject to a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. This subsection does not prohibit the applicant from registering the motor vehicle under any applicable provision of this chapter other than s. 341.405.

341.10(17) (17) The applicant has applied for registration under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405 and the motor vehicle for which application is made has been identified by the federal motor carrier safety administration as having been assigned for safety to a motor carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person that has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. This subsection does not prohibit the applicant from registering the motor vehicle under any applicable provision of this chapter other than s. 341.405.

341.10 History History: 1973 c. 131; 1975 c. 32; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1979 c. 34; 1979 c. 274; 1981 c. 165; 1983 a. 27, 78, 103, 169, 330; 1987 a. 235; 1989 a. 56, 284; 1991 a. 39, 316; 1993 a. 159, 288; 1995 a. 227; 1997 a. 27, 237; 1999 a. 85; 2003 a. 201, 297; 2009 a. 135; 2011 a. 32, 235; 2013 a. 103, 151, 368.

341.11 341.11 Contents, issuance and display of certificate of registration; issuance of duplicate certificate.

341.11(1) (1) Except as provided in sub. (2) the department upon registering a vehicle shall issue and deliver to the owner a certificate of registration. The certificate shall contain the name, residence and address of the owner; a brief description of the vehicle, including its color; the registration number assigned; and the date of expiration of registration. The certificate shall be in such form and may contain such additional information as the department deems advisable. A certificate for a motorcycle or for a vehicle registered at a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds is not required to include the vehicle color in the description of the vehicle.

341.11(2) (2) Whenever a certificate of registration is issued upon registration of a motor truck or truck tractor by a certificated or licensed carrier in accordance with s. 341.07, the certificate shall show that the vehicle is registered in the name of ...., owner, ...., lessee, and shall be delivered to the applicant.

341.11(3) (3) The department shall issue a duplicate certificate of registration upon application therefor by any person in whose name the vehicle is registered and upon payment of a fee of $2.

341.11(4) (4) In the case of a vehicle registered on the basis of gross weight for which special registration plates have been issued under s. 341.14 (2), (6), (6m) or (6r) or for which personalized registration plates have been issued under s. 341.145, or any motor bus, motor home, dual purpose motor home, motor truck, truck tractor or road tractor, the certificate of registration shall be displayed in a prominent place in the driver’s compartment of the vehicle to which the certificate refers. Any person who operates and any person in whose name the vehicle is registered who consents to the operation of any such vehicle without the certificate of registration being so displayed may be required to forfeit not more than $200.

341.11 History History: 1971 c. 164 s. 83; 1971 c. 278; 1975 c. 39, 136; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1983 a. 270; 1985 a. 120 s. 3200; 1985 a. 202; 1985 a. 210 s. 2; 1987 a. 64, 112, 403; 1989 a. 54; 1991 a. 239; 1999 a. 90.

341.12 341.12 Design, procurement and issuance of registration plates.

341.12(1) (1) The department upon registering a vehicle pursuant to s. 341.25 or 341.30 shall issue and deliver prepaid to the applicant 2 registration plates for an automobile, motor truck, motor bus, school bus, motor home, or dual purpose motor home and one plate for other vehicles. The department upon registering a vehicle pursuant to any other section shall issue one plate unless the department determines that 2 plates will better serve the interests of law enforcement.

341.12(2) (2) The department shall purchase plates from the Waupun Correctional Institution unless otherwise approved by the governor. Subject to any specific requirements which may be imposed by statute, the department shall determine the size, color and design of registration plates with a view toward making them visible evidence of the period for which the vehicle is registered and the fee class into which the vehicle falls as well as making them a ready means of identifying the specific vehicle or owner for which the plates were issued.

341.12(3) (3) All registration plates shall have displayed upon them the following:

341.12(3)(a) (a) The registration number assigned to the vehicle or owner. The registration number shall be composed of numbers or letters or both.

341.12(3)(b) (b) The name “Wisconsin” or abbreviation “Wis”.

341.12(3)(c) (c) An indication of the period for which the specific plate is issued or the date of expiration of registration.

341.12(4) (4) 

341.12(4)(a) (a) Subject to par. (am), all registration plates issued under s. 341.25 (1) (a) and for motor trucks having a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds shall be treated with a reflectorized material or substance. The department shall prescribe the term for the use of reflectorized plates.

341.12(4)(am) (am) Beginning with registrations initially effective July 1, 2022, all registration plates issued by the department shall be constructed with aluminum plates tempered to a hardness and thickness of approximately 0.027 inches and prismatic sheeting with embedded security features. Registration plate sheeting shall be of a type successfully used by the manufacturer in multiple jurisdictions and shall have an initial minimum coefficient of reflectivity of 150 candelas per lux per square meter and an initial minimum luminance factor greater than 55.

341.12(4)(b) (b) The department, in conjunction with the department of corrections and the department of administration, shall establish the specifications for the reflectorized material and invite bids for supplying reflectorized material. The department of administration shall establish a date for the opening of such bids and shall award the contract for supplying reflectorized material to the lowest responsible bidder. The specifications shall be drawn up for each base plate year.

341.12 History History: 1971 c. 164 ss. 71, 83; 1975 c. 136; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1415, 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 418 s. 924 (18) (a); 1979 c. 34; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 16; 1999 a. 9; 2007 a. 11; 2021 a. 163.

341.13 341.13 Additional specifications for design of certain plates.

341.13(1) (1) In addition to the matter specified in s. 341.12 (3), registration plates for automobiles registered pursuant to the registration system under s. 341.27, except automobiles registered under s. 341.14 (6r) or 341.145 (1) (c), shall comply with the following specifications:

341.13(1)(a) (a) The words “America’s Dairyland” shall be displayed across either the lower or upper portion of the plate at the discretion of the secretary.

341.13(1)(b) (b) A 3-letter abbreviation for the month of registration and the year of registration shall be displayed in symbols.

341.13(2) (2) In addition to the matter specified in s. 341.12 (3), the registration plates for a vehicle registered on the basis of gross weight except a dual purpose motor home or a motor home, motor truck, farm truck, or dual purpose farm truck registered under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (6m), or (6r) or 341.145 (1) (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) or a motor truck or dual purpose farm truck registered under s. 341.14 (6) shall indicate the weight class into which the vehicle falls in a manner prescribed by the department. The gross weight which determines the registration fee for a dual purpose motor home or a motor home, motor truck, farm truck, or dual purpose farm truck registered under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (6m), or (6r) or 341.145 (1) (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) or a motor truck or dual purpose farm truck registered under s. 341.14 (6) shall be shown on its certificate of registration.

341.13(2m) (2m) A registration plate issued for a motorcycle shall have a white background and black lettering and shall be 4 inches by 7 inches in size.

341.13(2r) (2r) In addition to the matter specified in s. 341.12 (3), the registration plates for a vehicle registered under s. 341.14 (6r) (f) 32. shall display the words “combat-wounded veteran.” The department shall specify one combination of colors and design for a plate issued under s. 341.14 (6r) (f) 32., except that the department may not specify the colors or design unless the colors and design are approved in writing by the department of veterans affairs.

341.13(3) (3) In lieu of issuing a new plate upon each renewal of registration of a vehicle, the department may issue one insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration per vehicle to indicate the period of registration. The tag, decal or other evidence of registration shall be provided by the department and used only if the outstanding plate is in suitable condition for further usage. A decal shall be displayed as provided in s. 341.15 (1m).

341.13(4) (4) A specially designed vehicle which is authorized for operation under s. 343.135 (2) (a) 2. shall bear a tag, decal or other identification issued by the department to indicate that the vehicle may be subject to special equipment standards under s. 347.02 (6) and that the vehicle may be operated only by a person authorized to do so under s. 343.135 (2) (b).

341.13(5) (5) A hybrid electric vehicle, as defined under s. 341.25 (1) (L) 1. b., or a nonhybrid electric vehicle, as defined under s. 341.25 (1) (L) 1. c., shall bear decals issued by the department to indicate that the vehicle is an electric vehicle. The decals shall be displayed as provided in s. 341.15 (1m) (c).

341.13 History History: 1975 c. 136, 200; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1416, 1654 (7); 1977 c. 418; 1979 c. 345; 1983 a. 227, 270, 538; 1985 a. 29; 1985 a. 87 s. 5; 1985 a. 202, 332; 1987 a. 64, 112, 403; 1989 a. 54; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 128, 350; 1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 71, 184; 2009 a. 246; 2011 a. 32; 2023 a. 19.

341.135 341.135 Rebasing registration plates.

341.135(1) (1) Design. At intervals determined by the department, the department shall establish new designs of registration plates to be issued under ss. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (2m), (6m), and (6r), 341.25 (1) (a), (c), (h), and (j) and (2) (a), (b), and (c), and 341.26 (2) and (3) (a) 1. and (am). Any design for registration plates issued for automobiles and for vehicles registered on the basis of gross weight shall comply with the applicable design requirements of ss. 341.12 (3), 341.13, and 341.14 (6r) (c). The designs for registration plates specified in this subsection shall be as similar in appearance as practicable during each design interval. Except as provided in ss. 341.13 (2r) and 341.14 (1), each registration plate issued under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (2m), (6m), or (6r), 341.25 (1) (a), (c), (h), or (j) or (2) (a), (b), or (c), or 341.26 (2) or (3) (a) 1. or (am) during each design interval shall be of the design established under this subsection. The department may not redesign registration plates for the special groups under s. 341.14 (6r) (f) 53., 54., or 55. until July 1, 2010.

341.135(2) (2) Issuance.

341.135(2)(a) (a) Notwithstanding s. 341.13 (3) and subject to par. (b), beginning with registrations initially effective July 1, 2022, upon receipt of a completed application to renew the registration of a vehicle under s. 341.25 (1) (a) or (c) or (2) (a), (b), or (c) for which a registration plate has not been issued during the previous 10 years, the department shall issue and deliver prepaid to the applicant 2 new registration plates of the design established under sub. (1).

341.135(2)(b) (b) The department may issue new registration plates under par. (a) in a time frame determined by the department, but the department shall complete the issuance of new registration plates under par. (a) no later than July 1, 2032.