Wisconsin
How to Renew Car Registration in Wisconsin
Applying for a car registration renewal in Wisconsin is a process you must complete once per year. As a reminder to renew your license plate stickers (tags) and credentials before they expire, the State Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may send you a renewal notice about one month in advance.
If you lose your DMV registration renewal notice or fail to receive it, you may mail a substitute notice directly to the department along with payment for your annual registration fee.
If you do receive a tag renewal notice from the DMV, you may decide whether you wish to renew online, in person or by mail. Online renewal is typically the quickest and most convenient method, but you may renew in person or by mail if you prefer. To learn more about each of these car registration renewal methods and to explore the steps you must take to apply, review the information below.
Applying for License Plate Renewal in Wisconsin
You may renew a registration online, in person or by mail if you own and operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin, as the State DMV provides you with three easy options for renewing each year. However, some of these renewal methods require you to pay an added convenience fee.
If you choose to renew your vehicle’s registration credentials online, you must first remember to update your mailing address with the Wisconsin DMV if this information has changed since your last renewal.
If you do not update your address with the DMV, you may fail to receive your vehicle’s new registration credentials after you apply. Review the sections below to explore your registration renewal options in greater detail.
Renewing Online
To apply for an online DMV car registration renewal, you must be able to provide your renewal reference number (RRN) or your vehicle’s license plate number. However, you must also be able to pay the application fee with an accepted credit card, bank account or another acceptable form of payment.
After renewing your registration credentials, you should receive your new materials in the mail within 10 business days.
Before renewing your license plates, you may choose to check the vehicle registration status online on the Wisconsin DMV’s website, especially if you do not know your RRN or wish to look up your registration’s expiration date.
This online license plate lookup can also help you to determine whether you need to meet any additional requirements before renewing your registration materials.
Note: If your car registration is lost and is not expiring yet, you may be able to request a replacement registration rather than a renewal.
In Person
If you prefer to renew your credentials in person rather than online, you must visit a DMV service center or another authorized registration agent to submit your application materials.
During your visit, you must present your DMV vehicle registration renewal notice and submit payment for the annual registration fee.
Before applying, you may perform an online car reg check to determine whether you may need to meet any additional requirements in order to renew your registration materials. For instance, an online car registration check can help you to determine whether your motor vehicle must pass an emissions inspection as part of the state’s registration requirements.
If you have any additional questions about the information you must provide or the requirements you must meet when renewing your license plates, you may contact the DMV office before heading in.
By Mail
If you choose to apply for WI auto registration renewal by mail, you must forward your renewal notice and payment for the applicable fee to the address provided on your DMV reminder card. After renewing your registration credentials by mail, you will receive your new materials within 10 business days.
For more information about renewing your vehicle registration, download our free guide.