by New License Plates in Wisconsin
Drivers in the state of Wisconsin will have the opportunity to choose a new look for their vehicle license plates next year. Starting in January 2026, two completely new designs will appear on the roads, combining retro charm with modern simplicity. These options, presented by the Governor and the Department of Transportation, will radically change the visual image of vehicles across the state.
One of the plates is a stylish, all-black variant called “Blackout.” The other design, which the state calls the “Butter Yellow” retro plate, is inspired by the 1970s style. Both innovations will become effective in January 2026 and are expected to bring over $25 million to the budget within the first three years.
These new specialty plates are a situation where everyone only wins
— stated Governor Evers, calling them long-awaited options that are also a revenue generator for road repairs. The black plate with white text on a pure black background is expected to be the most popular. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, by 2029, more than half a million such plates could appear on the roads, considering demand in neighboring states.
Nostalgia for the Past
The new “Butter Yellow” retro plate revives the yellow-and-black look that many Wisconsin residents grew up with. Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Christina Boardman noted that effort was required to achieve the perfect shade, adding that this design is nostalgic and familiar to many.
Both license plates will feature standard Wisconsin markings, with the retro plate bringing back the “America’s Dairyland” inscription. The black plates will start with the ZAA series, and the retro plates with YAA. Personalized plates can contain up to seven characters.
Cost and Ordering Process
The pricing policy is transparent. A one-time $15 manufacturing fee and an annual $25 registration fee are charged for each plate. Drivers can order them online, at most DMV offices, or through partner auto dealers. The Department of Transportation’s updated online ordering system can deliver standard plates within a week.
Personalized messages are checked in real-time, and customers can renew their registration during the ordering process. Soon, much more black and yellow will be seen on Wisconsin roads.
The introduction of the new designs is part of a broader trend where states use specialty license plates as a source of additional funding for infrastructure projects. Demand for such plates often exceeds expectations, making them a stable financial tool. In Wisconsin’s case, the emphasis on nostalgia and modern minimalism appeals to different generations of drivers, which may explain the optimistic revenue forecasts. It also shows how even routine elements like license plates can become part of a region’s cultural and economic life.
