Can I move my license plates to my new vehicle in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Title & Registration · Barron, WI
Can I move my license plates to my new vehicle in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Yes, if the plates are unexpired and the new vehicle is the same type (auto to auto, light truck to light truck) and titled to you, your spouse or your domestic partner. If you don't transfer them, WisDOT says there's no refund for the remaining time and you should destroy the plates.
The details
When you buy from Swant Graber, tell us if you want to move your current plates, and we'll put that on the title and registration application. A plate transfer skips the cost of a new plate, but WisDOT's fees still depend on the vehicle type.
- Plates stay with your old vehicle only on certain heavy trucks, farm trucks, mopeds and trailers. Otherwise, take them off when you sell or trade.
- Don't mail old plates to the DMV. WisDOT says to cut them up if you won't use them again.
- If you left the plates on a vehicle you sold, WisDOT has a cancellation form, MV2514.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
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Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Out-the-door price calculator
- Buying in Wisconsin as a nonresident
- Wisconsin farm truck plates explained
- Sell your car to Swant Graber
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- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Can I put my car plates on my new pickup?
Only on a similar type of vehicle, such as auto to auto or light truck to light truck, per WisDOT.
Do I get a refund for unused registration in Wisconsin?
No. WisDOT says you can't get a refund for remaining registration time if you don't transfer the plates.
Should I return old plates to the DMV?
No. WisDOT says not to return them. Destroy them if you won't use them on another vehicle.
Questions? Talk to a real person
Call or stop in at either store on Highway 8 in Barron. We are happy to help, even if you are not buying today.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- WisDOT: Sell your vehicle: wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: License plate and registration fees: wisconsindot.gov