The U.S. state of Wisconsin first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1905.

Plates are currently issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) through its Division of Motor Vehicles.

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.

In May 2024, an orange EV sticker applied to the top right corner of the front and rear plates became compulsory for electric vehicle owners to provide clarity for first responders in an accident.

[4] Tribal and Indian nation plates are given to members and nonmembers who reside on their respective reservation.