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FACT BRIEF

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

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
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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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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.