Alerts

News

Hobbyist license plates

Vehicles that qualify:

Vehicles that qualify for hobbyist registration are 20 or more model years old that have been altered or modified from the manufacturer's specifications. Homemade vehicles and vehicles that replicate a vehicle that is 20 or more model years old also qualify. Hobbyist registrations differ from collector registrations, which are available for vehicles 20 years old or older that have NOT been altered or modified from the manufacturer's specifications.

Hobbyist license numbers are assigned to the owner for a lifetime. Registration does not expire. A letter suffix is added to the number (i.e., 1A, etc.) for subsequent hobbyist vehicles owned by the same person. Hobbyist plates CANNOT be personalized.

Types of hobbyist vehicles:

Street modified vehicles

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• May be modified from the original manufacturer's specifications.
• Can still be recognized as the original year and make.
• Are typically known as "hot rods" or "street rods."

Replica vehicles

• Are reproductions of vehicles originally made by another manufacturer.
• Must replicate a vehicle at least 20 years old.
• May be a "kit car."
• May need to have form MV2855 completed.

Reconstructed vehicles

• Must be constructed from a vehicle at least 20 years old.
• Must no longer be recognizable as the original vehicle.
• Application materials must include bills of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.
• If the vehicle qualifies, you will receive instructions from WisDOT to have the vehicle inspected for safety and equipment.

Motorized homemade vehicles

• Homemade motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, qualify for Hobbyist plates.
• Vehicle must have been constructed from new or used parts not originating from or resembling a previously manufactured motor vehicle.
• Homemade motorcycles that replicate a cycle at least 20 years old.
• Application materials must include bills of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.
• If the vehicle qualifies, you will receive instructions from WisDOT to have the vehicle inspected for safety and equipment.

Refer to Wisconsin Statutes 341.268 for vehicle definitions and Administrative Rule Trans 149 for homemade or reconstructed vehicle requirements. If you have questions about vehicles that qualify for hobbyist registration, call (608) 266-1466 or contact us.

How to apply

1. Complete and sign the Hobbyist Registration Application form MV2388. Print clearly. Check the type of hobbyist vehicle on Page 1.
2. Include photos of the engine compartment, interior and exterior of all sides of the vehicle.
3. If the vehicle is NOT titled in your name, send a completed Title Application MV1 or MV11, the appropriate fees and all application materials to the address below. If the vehicle is NOT currently registered, or is not designated as a Hobbyist vehicle type, you must send the original title (we are unable to accept a photocopy) and all application materials to:
   
   Wisconsin Department of Transportation
   Research and Information Unit
   P.O. Box 8070
   Madison WI 53708-8070
   
   
4. If the vehicle qualifies as a reconstructed or motorized homemade vehicle, you will receive a notice from WisDOT to have the vehicle inspected. Take the notice with the vehicle for inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol officer.
5. If the vehicle that you wish to register with Hobbyist plates is already titled and registered in your name in Wisconsin and is designated as a Hobbyist vehicle type, you may send a copy of the Certificate of Registration and all application materials to:
   
   Wisconsin Department of Transportation
   Special Plates Unit
   P.O. Box 7911
   Madison WI 53707-7911

Hobbyist plate applications can only be processed by mailing to one of the addresses listed above.

Registration fees

Vehicle type	Gross weight*	First plate	Second and subsequent plate or transfer from a vehicle you no longer own
Automobile		$200	$150
Truck	4,500	$200	$150
	6,000	$218	$168
	8,000 and over	$262	$212
Motor home	5,000	$147	$97
	8,000 and over	$160	$110
Motorcycle/moped		$73	$23

*Weight: To determine the approximate weight, use the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of gas and equipment normally on the vehicle. The weight does not include the weight of a camper, lid or cap that is mounted on the truck or the weight of any persons or pets riding within the driver's compartment.

Release of information

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) uses the information on form MV2388 to issue Hobbyist license plates. Under open records laws, the department must make nonexempt information available upon request. If you want your name and address withheld from mailing lists of 10 or more individuals, complete page 2 of form MV2388.

WisDOT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Back to Special and personalized license plates

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-3041
Fax: (608) 267-5106