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Validation stickers

Customers receive registration validation stickers when new license plates are issued. WisDOT replaces license plate expiration stickers after payment of registration renewal fees. When receiving new stickers, WisDOT recommends removing the old sticker first, instead of affixing the new sticker over the old one. Cleaning and drying the license plate will also improve adhesion. Failure to properly affix registration stickers may result in a citation.

State law (section 341.15, WI Statutes) requires that you place registration month and year stickers on the rear license plate in the manner directed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Stickers:

• Should always be affixed to the REAR license plate, right side up.
• May not cover any letters, numbers or other registration information.

Most registration license plates receive validation stickers for display on the rear plate only. However, state law requires that a license plate must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle when two plates are issued.

For specific sticker information based on vehicle type, see the following:

• Autos and light trailers; motor homes with personalized or special plates
• Heavy trailers, tractors and trucks
• Light truck plates
• Motorcycles, mopeds, farm trucks and recreational vehicle trailers
• Motor buses and motor homes
• Plates that do not require validation stickers
• Registered gross weight
• School buses

Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: May 19, 2009