Two new license plate designs set to debut in January

MADISON, WIS. (CIVIC MEDIA) Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), recently unveiled the designs of Wisconsin’s newest state license plates, a Blackout design and a Retro butter yellow design, depicted below. The bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed by Gov. Evers included $5.5 million in funding to support the introduction of these two new specialty license plates, which are estimated to generate more than $25 million for the state’s transportation fund in the first three years.

The two new license plate designs are expected to be available in January 2026.

Blackout Plate
This design features a black background with white lettering for “Wisconsin” and the plate number. It is inspired by similar designs that have gained popularity in other states, such as Minnesota and Iowa. The blackout plate aims to appeal to a broad audience and is expected to be a stylish option for vehicle owners.

Butter-Themed Retro Yellow Plate
This plate will have a yellow background with black letters displaying “America’s Dairyland” and “Wisconsin,” along with the plate number. The design is intended to honor Wisconsin’s dairy industry, reflecting the state’s agricultural heritage.

Availability and Costs
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation plans to begin the design process for these plates, with the goal of making them available for issuance in January 2026. The initial cost for these specialty plates will be $15, with an annual renewal fee of $25.

Revenue Generation
The introduction of these new designs is expected to generate significant revenue for the state, with projections estimating around $16.6 million in the first two years from the sale of these plates.

These new designs will join the existing array of specialty plates available in Wisconsin, which currently includes around 60 options representing various themes, organizations, and interests.

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