Residents of Wisconsin can soon look forward to a stylish new option for vehicle identification, as the state prepares to unveil two distinct license plate designs: a sleek blackout plate and a nostalgic retro yellow plate. The announcement was made by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles in a showcase event on Tuesday afternoon.
The blackout license plate features a modern all-black background contrasted with bold white lettering and numbering. This aesthetic choice has garnered significant attention, with the Department estimating that over half a million of these plates could be in circulation within three years. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasized that the design’s simplicity and elegance make it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle colors. Moreover, she noted the popularity of similar designs in neighboring states, which has contributed to growing local anticipation.
The retro yellow license plate pays homage to the state’s vehicle history, reflecting styles from the 1970s. Characterized by its bright yellow base adorned with familiar black characters, Boardman remarked that these plates are often colloquially known as “butter” plates. “Many remember having one in the 1970s; it was simply the Wisconsin license plate,” she said. The Department made a concerted effort to find just the right shade of yellow for the design, making it not only a practical option but also a nostalgic nod for many residents.
Both plate designs will prominently feature the state name at the top, with the slogan “America’s Dairyland” displayed underneath the letters and numbers on the yellow variation. The numbering system for the blackout plates will begin with the sequence ZAA 1001, while the retro yellow plates will start with YAA 1001. Furthermore, the streamlined design permits up to seven characters for personalized plate requests.
In terms of registration fees, both plate types come with a straightforward one-time issuance fee of $15, along with an annual registration fee of $25. Notably, revenues generated from these plates will directly support infrastructure improvement projects across Wisconsin.
The new plates will soon be accessible through the DMV’s updated web application, allowing residents to order them online or obtain them at most DMV offices, participating third-party vendors, and auto dealerships. This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing vehicle registration options while also appealing to motorists with a sense of nostalgia.
