Veterans & Military License Plates, Driver Licensing
& Vehicle Registration
www.WisVets.com/Plates

 

Special veterans-related license plates, drivers licensing, and motor vehicle registration are available as follows:

Driver Licensing & Motor Vehicle Registration for Active Duty Military Personnel

When the U.S. is involved in a military conflict, anyone who is a member of the military and stationed outside of Wisconsin is considered to be on "active duty" for the purposes of eligibility for modified procedures for the following driver licensing and registration measures:  Driver license renewal; duplicate driver license; insurance information; suspended or revoked license reinstatement; medical report; vehicle registration renewal; dealer and salesperson licenses; motor carrier fees and reports; and special license plates.

Wisconsin Salutes Veterans

First introduced in 2006, the Wisconsin Salutes Veterans license plate, available to anyone who wants to show their support for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This attractive plate, designed by a Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs staff member and rendered by a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles artist, shows a bald eagle holding crossed U.S. and Wisconsin flags.

The symbolic portion of the plate is based in part on the seal of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bald eagle is a recognized national symbol, and here represents the eternal vigilance of all of Wisconsin’s veterans in defending our nation’s ideals. The crossed flags held in the eagle’s talons represent the intertwined history of our nation and our state. The gold cord that binds the two flags and is tightly clutched in the eagle’s talons is symbolic of Wisconsin’s sons and daughters who have fallen in the defense of liberty, justice, equality, and freedom for all in each of our nation’s wars from the U.S. Civil War onward.

The plate’s text, “Wisconsin Salutes Veterans,” is intended to facilitate the public support by each individual owner of our state’s longstanding commitment to doing what is right for Wisconsin’s men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

For more information on the plates, see the Wisconsin Salutes Veterans Plate Application, MV2954.

Veterans/Military License Plates

Special vehicle license plates are available for veterans and members of the military, including branch of service (Army, Navy, etc.), wartime service (WWII, Vietnam, Women Veteran, etc.), and military medals (Silver Star, Air Medal, etc.). In all, more than 50 different service and medal designations are available (see form MV2653 for a detailed listing). These plates are transferable to a surviving spouse.

The Veterans/Military license plates return to a more traditional red, white, and blue background with a new design effective July 1, 2008. All applications beginning July 1 will receive the new design. Those who received the previous white background design issued between December 2006 and June 2008 can keep that design or complete form MV2118 and pay a $10 replacement fee for the new design. See Military license plate design frequently asked questions (FAQs) for additional information.

Military plates design from 1989 to December 2006

Military plates design from December 2006 to June 2008

Disabled Veteran License Plates

Disabled Veterans with disabilities that impair the ability to walk and are the result of injuries received while on active U.S. military duty may be eligible for special parking privileges. While there is no reduction in the registration fee for Disabled Veteran License Plates, privileges of the plate include parking in disabled parking spaces, exemption from time limitations and payment in metered parking in parking places with a ½ hour or more limit.

Ex-Prisoner of War License Plates

These plates are available to Wisconsin residents who are former prisoners of war as certified by the federal VA and authorized by Wisconsin State Statute 341.14(6)(2). The first plate is issued at no charge, while second and subsequent plates have a $15 issuance fee plus the annual registration fee. All Ex-Prisoner of War plates must be renewed annually, even those that require no fee. The plates may be transferred to a surviving spouse. No special parking privileges are provided with Ex-Prisoner of War plates.

Gold Star License Plates

Special Gold Star license plates are available to the immediate family members of a service member who has died in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Individual family members include the deceased servicemember's spouse, child/stepchild, parent/stepparent, sibling, grandparent or grandchild, or the spouse of a child/stepchild, parent/stepparent, sibling, grandparent or grandchild. The qualified individual must be an owner, lessee, or trust beneficiary. While annual registration fees apply, there is no issuance fee. If you wish to personalize the plate, you will pay an additional $15.00 each year. No special parking privileges are provided with the Gold Star Plate.

A history of the Gold Star is available from American Gold Star Mothers. Both AGSM and Gold Star Wives of America are Congressionally chartered service organizations.

Medal of Honor License Plates

Special license plates are available to Wisconsin residents who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The plate is non-expiring license plates, and no issuance, reissuance, or renewal fees are required. When the vehicle is sold, the plate stays with owner, and may be transferred to another qualifying vehicle. The plates may be transferred to a surviving spouse, and remain without fee. No special parking privileges are provided with Medal of Honor plates.

Veteran Motorcycle License Plate

Special license plates for motorcycles are available to Wisconsin residents who qualify as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. The plate may be personalized with one to four characters. Personalized plates have a biannual fee of $30.00. Regular numbered plates have an issuance/reissuance fee of $15. No special parking privileges are provided with Veteran Motorcycle plates.

Wisconsin National Guard License Plates

Special license plates for Wisconsin residents who are current or retired members of the National Guard. If membership in the National Guard is not maintained (except due to retirement), the plates must be disposed of and regular replacement plates obtained. Wisconsin National Guard plates have a $15 issuance/reissuance fee for non personalized plates. Personalized plates with one to seven letters or numbers are available for $15 plus annual registration. These plates may be transferred to a surviving spouse. No special parking privileges are provided with Wisconsin National Guard plates.

Woman Veteran License Plates

New in March 2012, Wisconsin women who have served in any branch of the U.S. military are eligible to apply for one of the new “Woman Veteran” license plates. Along with the word “Wisconsin” across the top of the plate, the new plates feature “Woman Veteran” at the bottom. A decal representing the person’s specific military branch is displayed on the left side of the plate. Woman Veteran plates have a $15 issuance/reissuance fee for non personalized plates. Personalized plates are available for $15 plus annual registration. No special parking privileges are provided with Woman Veteran plates.