The short answer
In Wisconsin, a truck registered as a farm truck may not be used for any non-farm occupation, trade or employment; if it also does non-farm work, it needs dual-purpose farm or regular truck registration (WisDOT). A farm truck registered under 38,000 lb may be used for personal or family purposes but not for commuting to another job; at 38,000 lb or more, no personal use.
Light farm (FRM) plates cost $45 for two years plus a $12 issuance fee and expire at the end of February in even years. Heavy farm (HFM) plates and farm trailer (FTL) plates are priced by weight and renew every year.
The farm plate types
| Plate | Use rules (WisDOT) | Fee and renewal (WisDOT) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm, light (FRM) | Farm use only; personal/family use allowed under 38,000 lb; no commuting to another job | $45 biennial + $12 issuance; expires end of February, even years |
| Farm, heavy (HFM) | Farm use; no personal or family use at 38,000 lb or more | By weight; expires end of February each year |
| Dual-purpose farm (LTK/HTK) | Farm and non-farm work; register at 4,500, 6,000 or 8,000 lb for non-farm use and operate up to 12,000 lb for farm work | LTK: $100/yr at 4,500 or 6,000 lb; $116.60/yr at 8,000 lb; + $12 issuance |
| Farm trailer (FTL) | Farm trailers | By weight + $6 issuance; expires end of December each year |
Which one fits?
- Truck only does farm work: farm plates (FRM or HFM by weight).
- Truck hauls for the farm and for an off-farm job or business: dual-purpose farm or regular truck plates.
- Truck also gets you to a town job: not a farm plate; WisDOT says farm trucks can't be used to commute to another job.
Buying a farm truck at Swant Graber
When you buy, tell us which plate type you want so we can talk through the title and plate paperwork. Swant Graber's service fee is $127.50. See our farm truck buying guide for configuration, and Section 179 for 2026 for the tax side (talk to your tax professional).
Paperwork checklist
Farm-plate checklist
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Questions
Can I drive my farm-plated truck to town?
For personal or family purposes, yes if it's registered under 38,000 lb, but WisDOT says not to commute to another job. At 38,000 lb or more, no personal or family use.
How much are farm truck plates in Wisconsin?
Light farm (FRM) plates are $45 for two years plus a $12 issuance fee. Heavy farm (HFM) fees vary by weight (WisDOT).
What if I use the truck for farm work and a side business?
Register it as a dual-purpose farm truck or a regular truck. WisDOT says farm-registered trucks may not be used for non-farm work.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
