(WFRV) — In the first month since their debut, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles has issued more than 10,000 new Blackout and Retro license plates statewide.
WisDOT says 9,493 Blackout plates have been issued so far, including 4,634 personalized versions. The Retro plate totaled 1,201 issued, with 631 personalized, bringing the combined total to 10,694 plates.
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The majority were issued through the DMV’s new online ordering process. More than 1,600 non-personalized plates were also obtained at DMV service centers, participating dealers and third-party vendors that stock Wisconsin license plates.
The Blackout plate features a black background with white lettering and edging, with sequences beginning at ZAA. Officials say ZAB and ZAC are already in circulation. The Retro plate features black lettering on a yellow background inspired by 1970s designs, beginning with YAA 1001. Both plate styles allow up to seven characters for personalization.
Each plate carries a one-time $15 issuance fee, along with a $25 annual fee. Revenue generated from the plates will support transportation infrastructure projects. WisDOT estimates more than 500,000 Blackout plates could be on the road within three years.
Drivers do not need to wait until renewal to request the new plates. WisDOT also encourages anyone with peeling or hard-to-read plates to replace them, which can be done online.
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Officials say customers who order plates online without personalized messages or special eligibility requirements — including Blackout and Retro plates — may receive them within days, rather than weeks. About 25% of plates ordered through the new system are mailed the next day.
The online process allows customers to preview personalized messages in real time, automatically checks for duplicates or inappropriate language, and enables registration renewal and secure online payment in a single transaction.
