resident and you buy a new car from a dealer, they will provide you with a set of temporary license plates to get you by until your regular plates arrive. But if you’re from out-of-state or buying from a private seller, the rules can be a little confusing.

The first thing you need to know is that it’s illegal to drive with fraudulent temporary plates in Wisconsin, and it can cost you a $500 fine. However, there is a little wiggle room if you’ve just bought a new car. In Wisconsin, you have up to two days from the date of the purchase to show your plates and registration.

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Does Wisconsin issue temporary plates?

Wisconsin does issue temporary plates. They are good for up to 90 days for state residents, and in some cases, up to 30 days for non-residents.

There are a few different ways to get temporary plates in Wisconsin. If you buy your car from a dealership, they can issue the temporary plates for you. However, if you’re purchasing a car from a private seller, you can apply for temporary plates on your own. You have two days after the date of purchase in which it's legal to drive your car in Wisconsin with no plates. After that, you must be able to show legal, temporary plates.

MORE: Title transfer in Wisconsin

How to get a temporary license plate in Wisconsin

If you’re buying a car from a private seller and you’re a Wisconsin resident, you can easily apply for your

license plates online

. Using the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles website, you can apply to transfer the vehicle’s title of ownership and apply for new license plates (or apply to transfer old license plates over from another car).

When you apply for new plates, the DMV will provide you with temporary tags to print out and tape on the inside of your rear window on the driver’s side. If this is impossible in your new vehicle, then it can alternatively be taped on the inside of the rear passenger window on the driver’s side.

If you don’t plan to apply for plates online, you can fill out the

Wisconsin Temporary License Plate Application

and submit it to any Wisconsin DMV service center. If your vehicle is subject to mandatory license plate display for state residents, or if you’re an active-duty military service member home on leave, you will not be charged any fee for the new plates.

However, other applicants may be subject to a nominal fee. Temporary license plate applicants will have to pay a $5 service counter fee in addition to the following:

Those whose car failed a state emissions test can apply for a temporary plate to use while the car undergoes repairs. This will cost $3 for a 30-day temporary plate.

Out-of-state residents who are buying a vehicle in Wisconsin and driving it home can apply for a 30-day temporary plate for a $3 fee.

Wisconsin allows hobbyists to maintain permanent registration under a special hobbyist license plate program for homemade vehicles, street mods, replica cars, and other hobbyist vehicles. However, these license plates are not valid for the entire month of January. If you are a hobbyist who plans to use your hobby vehicle in January, you can apply for a 5-day temporary license plate for $5.

Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state law requires drivers to show either a permanent or temporary license plate within two business days of purchasing a vehicle. Until that deadline, you can drive your car without plates in Wisconsin. However, to avoid the potential hassle of being pulled over, it’s a good idea to apply for and display your temporary plates right away, and avoid making unnecessary trips until then.

MORE:

Wisconsin DUI laws

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