How to Get Wisconsin Temporary Plates Online

If you just bought a car from a private seller in Wisconsin, you have a strict deadline: You must display a valid license plate within 2 business days.

Driving without one—even if you have the bill of sale in your hand—is illegal and will get you pulled over.

In the past, you had to mail in Form MV2505 and wait. Today, you can use the eMV Public portal to register your vehicle and print a temporary license plate from your home printer in minutes.

This guide covers the Online Instant Method, the cost ($3.00), and the strict window placement rules you must follow to avoid a ticket.

Dealer vs. Private Sale: Do You Need This Guide?

Before you log in, check if you actually need to do this yourself.

• Dealer Purchase: If you bought from a Wisconsin dealership, STOP. The dealer is legally required to handle the registration and issue you a temporary plate (or metal plates) before you drive off the lot.
• Private Purchase: If you bought a car from a neighbor, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, YOU are responsible.You must use the online system below to transfer the title and get your temporary tag.

The “eMV Public” Portal: How to Get Wisconsin Plates Online

You cannot simply “buy a temporary plate” in isolation. To get the temp tag online, you must submit your Title & Registration Application simultaneously.

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official Wisconsin eMV Public Website.
2. Start Application: Select “Title & Register a Vehicle.”
3. Enter Vehicle Info: You will need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), Make, Year, and the Title Number(found on the top of the paper title).
4. Pay Fees: You will pay the Title Fee, Registration Fee, and the $3.00 Temporary Plate Fee all at once.
5. Print: Once payment is confirmed, the system will generate a PDF.
   • Page 1: Your e-Application Receipt (Keep this in the car).
   • Page 2: Your Temporary License Plate. Print this immediately.

Note: After you finish online, you still must mail the original physical title to the WisDOT address listed on your receipt to complete the process.

Validity Rules: 90-Day (Resident) vs. 30-Day (In-Transit)

Wisconsin issues two types of temporary tags depending on where you live.

1. Resident Plate (90 Days)

• Who gets it: Wisconsin residents registering the vehicle in Wisconsin.
• Validity: Valid for 90 days or until your metal plates arrive in the mail (whichever comes first).
• Usage: Full driving privileges.

2. Non-Resident “In-Transit” Plate (30 Days)

• Who gets it: Out-of-state buyers who purchased a vehicle in Wisconsin and are driving it back home (e.g., to Illinois or Minnesota).
• Validity: Valid for 30 days.
• Usage: Strictly for transporting the vehicle out of the state for registration elsewhere.

How to Display Your Temporary Plate Correctly

Wisconsin has specific laws on where you must tape the paper plate. Putting it in the wrong spot can lead to a “Failure to Display” stop.

• Primary Location: Inside the Rear Window, Lower Driver’s Side.
• Secondary Location: If the driver’s side is obstructed (e.g., by a wiper or tint), place it in the Lower Passenger Side of the rear window.

Rules for Visibility:

• The plate must be clearly visible from the rear.
• Do not cover the expiration date with tape.
• Ensure it is upright and legible.

Troubleshooting: Lost Plates & Delays

Issue: My Metal Plates Haven’t Arrived Yet If your 90-day temporary plate is about to expire and your metal plates haven’t shown up:

1. Check the status using the Wisconsin DMV Application Status tool.
2. If lost, contact WisDOT. Do not drive on an expired paper tag—that is an arrestable offense in some jurisdictions.

Issue: I Lost My Temporary Plate If your paper plate gets ruined by the sun or lost:

• You can reprint it from the link in your confirmation email.
• If you cannot access the email, you may need to visit a DMV Service Center to get a replacement ($3 fee applies).

Wisconsin Temporary Plate Costs

The cost is low, but remember it is usually bundled with your registration fees.

Fee Type	Cost
Temporary Plate Fee	$3.00
Counter Service Fee (In-Person)	$5.00
Online Convenience Fee	~1.25% (Credit Card)

Note: If you need to physically visit an office, book a Wisconsin DMV appointment to avoid the $5 counter fee where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions