Hobbyist license plates

street-modified vehicles at least 20 years old
replica of a vehicle at least 20 years old
reconstructed vehicles at least 20 years old
motorized homemade vehicles (homemade motorcycles must replicate a cycle at least 20 years old.)

Hobbyist registrations differ from collector registrations which are available for vehicles 20 years old or older that have not been altered or modified from the manufacturer's specifications.

Hobbyist license numbers are assigned to the owner for a lifetime. Registration does not expire. A letter suffix is added to the number (i.e., 1A, etc.) for subsequent hobbyist vehicles owned by the same person. Hobbyist plates CANNOT be personalized.

Types of hobbyist vehicles:

Street modified vehicles

Vehicle must be at least 20 years old.
Vehicle may be modified from the original manufacturer's specifications.
Vehicle can still be recognized as the original year and make.
Vehicles are typically known as "hot rods" or "street rods."

Replica

Vehicle is a reproduction of a vehicle originally made by another manufacturer.
Vehicle must replicate a vehicle at least 20 years old.
"Kit cars" may be replicas.
May need to have form MV2855 completed.

Reconstructed vehicles

Vehicle must be constructed from a vehicle at least 20 years old.
Vehicle must no longer be recognizable as the original vehicle.
Vehicle must be inspected by a Wisconsin State Patrol Officer. An appointment for the inspection must be made in advance.
Application materials must include bills of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.

Motorized homemade vehicles

Homemade motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, qualify for Hobbyist plates.
Vehicle must have been constructed from new or used parts not originating from or resembling a previously manufactured motor vehicle.
Homemade motorcycles that replicate a cycle at least 20 years old.
Vehicle must be inspected by a Wisconsin State Patrol Officer. An appointment for the inspection must be made in advance.

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Things you should know:

Owners of a hobbyist vehicle must have at least one other vehicle used for regular transportation and currently registered in Wisconsin under the same name(s) as the hobbyist vehicle.
Truck type vehicles and motor homes with Hobbyist plates cannot haul more than 500 pounds.
Hobbyist plates are do not expire for as long as you own the hobbyist vehicle.
Hobbyist vehicles cannot be operated during January unless a temporary operation plate is purchased. A five-consecutive-day plate may be purchased by sending form MV2750 with the correct fee to the address provided on the form.
For second and subsequent Hobbyist plates, allow approximately 4-6 weeks for the manufacturing process after the new Certificate of Registration has been issued.

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How to apply

Complete and sign the Hobbyist Registration Application form MV2388 ; print clearly. Check the type of hobbyist vehicle on Page 1.
If the vehicle that you wish to register with Hobbyist plates is already titled in your name and:
- Is NOT currently registered, or is NOT designated with one of the Hobbyist vehicle types, send the actual Certificate of Title - not a photocopy.
- Is currently registered and designated with one of the Hobbyist vehicle types, send a copy of your Certificate of Registration.
If the vehicle is NOT titled in your name, send a completed Title Application form MV1 (401 KB) or MV11 and fees, including Hobbyist registration fees.
Use fee schedule below to determine hobbyist registration fees. No credit is given from current registration. If you are transferring a Hobbyist plate, you must pay the fee shown in the "transfer" column. Make check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust
Mail to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Special Plates Unit,
P.O. Box 7911
Madison WI 53707-7911

Temporary plate required

To legally operate autos and trucks registered at 8,000 pounds or less, you must display license plates within two business days of purchase. If you do not have current plates, apply at a DMV service center or an agent authorized by DMV to obtain a temporary plate while your hobbyist order is processed. An agent may charge a $3 plate fee and/or may also charge a $5 service fee.

Hobbyist plate applications can only be processed the address listed above.

Registration fees

Vehicle type	Gross weight*	First plate effective January 1, 2008	Second and subsequent plate or transfer from a vehicle you no longer own - effective January 1, 2008
Automobile		$200	$150
Truck	4,500	$200	$150
	6,000	$218	$168
	8,000 and over	$262	$212
Motor home	5,000	$147	$97
	8,000 and over	$160	$110
Motorcycle/moped		$73	$23

*Weight: To determine the approximate weight, use the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of gas and equipment normally on the vehicle. The weight does not include the weight of a camper, lid or cap that is mounted on the truck or the weight of any persons or pets riding within the driver's compartment.

Release of information

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) uses the information on form MV2388 to issue Hobbyist license plates. Under open records laws, the department must make nonexempt information available upon request. If you want your name and address withheld from mailing lists of 10 or more individuals, complete page 2 of form MV2388.

WisDOT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you have questions: