Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Wisconsin?
Yes, but only emissions testing of vehicles located in designated counties. Emissions testing is required for vehicles registered in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. Vehicles registered outside these counties do not require any inspection for tag renewal.
Wisconsin issues registration tabs affixed to the rear license plate. The registration tabs display the expiration month and year to indicate when renewal is required.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Vehicles exempt from emissions testing in the seven-county area include:
- Vehicles less than four model years old
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,501 pounds or more for model years 1996 through 2006
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,001 pounds or more for model years 2007 and newer
- Collector vehicles registered with collector plates
- Antique motor vehicles 25 years or older registered with antique plates
- Vehicles temporarily outside the testing area may qualify for temporary exemptions
Contact Information for Tag Services
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-8699
Official Website: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
