How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Wisconsin in 2025
Vehicle registration costs in Wisconsin vary significantly based on vehicle type, weight, location, and special characteristics. The state employs a structured fee system that includes base registration fees, weight-based charges for larger vehicles, local wheel taxes, and additional surcharges for alternative fuel vehicles.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Wisconsin establishes registration fees according to vehicle classification and operational characteristics, with biennial registration periods for most vehicles.
Passenger Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile | $85 | Standard passenger cars |
| Autocycle | $45 | Three-wheeled motor vehicles |
| Motorcycle and Mopeds | $23 | Biennial registration (two years) |
| Recreational Vehicle Trailer | $15 | Travel trailers and similar |
| Special Design Vehicle | $5 | Limited use vehicles |
Standard automobile registration covers passenger cars under 8,000 pounds gross weight and represents the most common vehicle category in Wisconsin, as established in the Wisconsin DOT fee schedule.
Motor Homes
Motor homes pay weight-based fees according to gross vehicle weight:
- Up to 5,000 lbs: $48.50
- 5,001 - 8,000 lbs: $55.00
- Over 8,000 lbs: $67.50 through $119.50 (depending on weight class)
Motor home fees remain relatively stable compared to commercial vehicle rates, with the highest fee category applying to vehicles over 54,000 pounds gross weight.
Truck Registration Fees by Weight Class
Wisconsin's truck registration system operates on graduated weight classes, with fees increasing substantially for heavier vehicles.
Truck Fees
| Weight Class | Gross Weight Limit | Truck/Bus Fee | Trailer Fee | Farm Truck Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4,500 lbs | $100.00 | $50.00 | $44.00 |
| B | 6,000 lbs | $100.00 | $50.00 | $54.50 |
| C | 8,000 lbs | $116.60 | $58.30 | $61.00 |
| X | 10,000 lbs | $170.50 | $85.25 | $78.00 |
| D | 12,000 lbs | $229.90 | $114.95 | $95.50 |
| F | 20,000 lbs | $391.60 | $391.60 | $160.00 |
| K | 44,000 lbs | $1,013.10 | $1,013.10 | $389.00 |
| T | 80,000 lbs | $2,816.00 | $2,816.00 | $1,050.00 |
Truck tractor fees include an additional $18 per weight class, reflecting the combined gross weight of tractor and semi-trailer combinations. Farm vehicles receive substantial discounts, with some categories paying approximately 40% less than commercial rates.
Local Vehicle Registration Fees (Wheel Tax)
Wisconsin municipalities and counties may impose additional vehicle registration fees, commonly known as "wheel taxes," to fund local transportation projects. These fees apply to automobiles, autocycles, and trucks up to 8,000 pounds gross weight.
Counties with Wheel Tax
| County | Annual Fee | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Crawford County | $20 | Ongoing |
| Dane County | $28 | Ongoing |
| Dunn County | $20 | Ongoing |
| Eau Claire County | $30 | Ongoing |
| Green County | $25 | Ongoing |
| Iowa County | $25 | Ongoing |
| Langlade County | $15 | Ongoing |
| Marathon County | $25 | Ongoing |
| Milwaukee County | $30 | Ongoing |
| Pierce County | $35 | January 1, 2026 |
| Portage County | $30 | Ongoing |
| Richland County | $20 | Ongoing |
| St. Croix County | $20 | Ongoing |
| Vernon County | $25 | Ongoing |
Municipalities with Wheel Tax
$40 Annual Fee:
- Evansville (city)
- Fitchburg (city)
- Janesville (city)
- Madison (city)
- Oregon (village)
- Shawano (city)
$35 Annual Fee:
- Hustisford (village)
- Oshkosh (city)
- Port Edwards (village)
$30 Annual Fee:
- Appleton (city)
- Eden (village)
- Lomira (village)
- Milwaukee (city)
- Milton (city)
- Neenah (city) - effective January 1, 2026
- Shorewood (village)
- Sun Prairie (city)
$25 Annual Fee:
- Adams (city)
- Bellevue (village)
- Green Bay (city)
- Onalaska (city) - effective November 1, 2025
- Redgranite (village)
- Ripon (city)
$20 Annual Fee:
- Ashland (city), Baraboo (city), Beloit (city), Chilton (city), Doylestown (village), Fort Atkinson (city), Gillett (city), Lodi (city), Manitowoc (city), Montello (city), New London (city), Platteville (city), Portage (city), Prairie du Sac (village), Rice Lake (city), Sauk City (city), Sheboygan (city)
$15 Annual Fee:
- Delavan (township)
- Waterloo (city)
- Wauwatosa (city)
$10 Annual Fee:
- Boscobel (city), Iron Ridge (village), Kaukauna (city), Potosi (village), River Falls (city), Tigerton (village)
Wheel tax revenue funds transportation-related infrastructure including road maintenance, traffic signals, and public transit systems. The Wisconsin DOT collects these fees and retains approximately 3 cents per transaction for administrative costs before distributing funds to local jurisdictions.
Title Fees and Processing Costs
Vehicle title fees represent a significant component of initial registration costs.
Title Fees
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Title or Transfer | $214.50 | Increased by $50 |
| Low-Speed Vehicle Title | $207.00 | Increased by $50 |
| Duplicate Title | $20.00 | No change |
| Lien Recording | $10.00 | No change |
The $50 increase in title fees generates an estimated $200 million annually for state transportation funding, according to Wisconsin legislative analysis.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Surcharges
Wisconsin imposes additional annual fees on alternative fuel vehicles to compensate for reduced fuel tax contributions.
| Vehicle Type | Annual Surcharge | Total with Base Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles | $175 | $260 (automobile + surcharge) |
| Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles | $75 | $160 (automobile + surcharge) |
| Hybrid Vehicles | $75 | $160 (automobile + surcharge) |
Electric vehicle surcharges increased from $100 to $175 annually, while hybrid surcharges remain at $75. These fees support highway maintenance and construction typically funded through motor fuel taxes, as detailed in Wisconsin's vehicle fuel surcharge regulations.
Emissions Testing Requirements
Wisconsin requires emissions testing in specific counties to meet federal air quality standards.
Testing Areas: Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Kenosha, Racine, and Sheboygan counties require emissions testing for vehicles with automobile registration.
Testing Frequency: Biennial (every two years) for most vehicles Cost: No charge for standard emissions testing Exemptions: Vehicles 25 years or older, diesels under 8,500 lbs, electric vehicles, and certain other categories
Vehicles failing emissions tests may purchase temporary plates for $8.00 to allow time for repairs. The Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program oversees testing requirements and procedures.
Counter Service and Processing Fees
Additional fees apply when conducting transactions at DMV customer service centers or through authorized agents.
DMV Customer Service Center Fees
| Service | Additional Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Renewal | $3.00 | Plus regular registration fee |
| Title and Registration | $5.00 | Plus regular fees |
| Electronic Processing Fee | $38.00 | Dealer transactions (increased from $19.50) |
Convenience Fees
Credit and debit card transactions include convenience fees up to 2.35% to cover processing costs charged by payment companies. Electronic check payments typically avoid convenience fees.
