Expired Registration in Wisconsin

All motor vehicles in Wisconsin must be registered as mandated by state laws. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration procedures throughout the state, while the Wisconsin State Patrol implements registration laws on Wisconsin's highways and roads.

State Code Provisions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's vehicle registration framework is outlined in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 341, titled "Registration of Vehicles." Registration processes, renewal requirements, license plate display, fines for infractions, and enforcement methods are all governed by this law.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Wisconsin

Registration Renewal System

Wisconsin operates a staggered annual registration system for automobiles and motor trucks having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less. Under Wisconsin Statute § 341.27, there are 12 registration periods, each designated by a calendar month, with registrations valid for 12 consecutive months. The registration system distributes expiration dates uniformly throughout the calendar year.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Automobiles and light trucks (8,000 pounds or less) are registered for 12 consecutive calendar months
• Registration periods start on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of the 12th month
• Registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the designated expiration month
• Example: A vehicle with a registration period ending in September expires at midnight on September 30

Biennial Registration Option:

Under Wisconsin Statute § 341.297, farm trucks having a gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less may be registered on a biennial basis (two-year period).

Grace Period for Expired Registration

There is no grace period for expired vehicle registrations in Wisconsin. The vehicle cannot lawfully be driven on public roads until the registration is renewed after it expires.

Special Vehicle Categories:

• Vehicles over 8,000 pounds: Motor trucks, tractors, and buses over 8,000 pounds registered weight may be eligible for quarterly or consecutive monthly registration under Wisconsin Statute § 341.30 or § 341.305
• Antique and Special Interest Vehicles: May be registered under special provisions with different renewal requirements

Penalties for Expired Registration in Wisconsin

Wisconsin imposes both administrative penalties for late renewal and traffic forfeitures for operating vehicles with expired registration.

Administrative Penalties

Wisconsin assesses a $10 administrative late fee for automobile, light truck, motorcycle, and moped registration renewals received by the DMV after the expiration date. This late fee applies in addition to the regular registration renewal fee.

Important Note: Vehicles registered over 8,000 pounds gross weight are exempt from administrative late fees, though operating such vehicles after registration expiration remains subject to traffic penalties.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on Wisconsin roadways constitutes a traffic violation subject to forfeiture following Wis. Stat. § 341.04(3).

Violations and Forfeiture Classification:

Government Agencies Contact Information

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 264-7447
Official Website: Wisconsin DMV

Wisconsin State Patrol Headquarters
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (844) 847-1234
Official Website: Wisconsin State Patrol