New Wisconsin plates arrive in 2026 with fresh designs and added revenue potential that could strengthen the state’s transportation system
Wisconsin drivers are getting more than just a new look for their license plates next year, they’re getting a choice. Starting in January 2026, two fresh plate designs will hit the roads, offering a mix of retro charm and modern simplicity.
Unveiled by the Governor and the Department of Transportation, these new options are poised to give vehicles across the state a visual shakeup.
Read: The One License Plate Indiana Drivers Are Fighting To Get
One is a sleek, all-black “Blackout” plate, and the other design is what the state calls a retro “Butter Yellow” plate that takes inspiration from the 1970s. Both arrive in January 2026, and the state expects both to pump over $25 million into the budget within the first three years.
“These new specialty plates are a win-win,” Gov. Evers said, calling them both long-requested options and a revenue generator to “fix the darn roads.” The Blackout plate, with its white text on a clean black background, is expected to be the big seller.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), more than half a million Blackout plates could be on the road by 2029, based on demand seen in neighboring states.
The state’s new retro “Butter Yellow” plate revives the yellow-and-black look that plenty of Wisconsinites grew up with. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said getting the shade just right took effort, adding, “It’s nostalgic, it’s familiar to many, and I am planning to order one myself.”
How they didn’t call it the “Cheese Plate,” we may never know.
Both plates will carry standard Wisconsin markings, with “America’s Dairyland” returning on the Retro plate. Blackout plates will start with the ZAA sequence, while Retro plates kick off with YAA. Personalized plates can hold up to seven characters.
How Much Do They Cost?
Pricing is straightforward. Each plate comes with a $15 issuance fee plus a $25 annual registration fee. Drivers can order them online, at most DMVs, or through participating dealers, and WisDOT’s redesigned online ordering system can deliver non-personalized plates in as little as a week.
Personalized messages are checked in real time, and customers can renew registration during checkout. Expect to see a lot more black and butter on Wisconsin roads soon.
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