Eligibility
A historic military vehicle (HMV) is a vehicle manufactured for use in any country’s military forces and maintained to accurately represent its military design and markings with no alterations. An HMV may be an auto, truck, trailer or motorcycle of any size and weight but cannot be a tracked vehicle (one that runs on continuous tracks or a combination of wheels and tracks). Historic military vehicles manufactured for the U.S. may be of any age to be eligible for HMV license plates. Imported historic military vehicles must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for HMV registration.
Things you should know
- The fee for Historic military license plates is $5.
- Historic military vehicle registration allows operation to and from special occasions, such as parades, display events, club activities, exhibitions and tours.
- Operation is also allowed for occasional personal use as well as testing, maintenance and storage purposes.
- The operator of an HMV must have a valid regular driver license; some HMVs may also require the operator to have a valid commercial driver license. The operator must follow all traffic laws.
- Vehicles with HMV license plates cannot be used for regular transportation.
- HMV plates are valid for as long as you own the vehicle and stay with the person who purchased them when the vehicle is sold.
- HMV owners may apply for a title only (without license plates) or for both a title and license plates.
- Former military vehicles may also qualify for Collector,
Hobbyist, Antique, or regular Wisconsin vehicle (auto, light truck, heavy truck, trailer or cycle) registration.
Effective July 1, 2017 the one-time processing fee of $25 for the initial costs of production of the HMV plate is no longer required as the plate development cost has been collected.
How to apply
DMV Customer Service Centers do not issue Special or Personalized License Plates you must mail in your application.
To apply for a title and/or registration for a Historic Military vehicle, mail the following items to the address below.
- If the vehicle is already titled in your name in Wisconsin, send:
- A completed Historic Military Vehicle License Plate Application MV2592
- Color photographs of the engine compartment, interior and exterior showing all sides of the vehicle
- $5 plate fee
- If the vehicle is not titled in your name in Wisconsin, send:
- A completed Wisconsin Title & License Plates Application MV1 including all other fees due
- A completed Historic Military Vehicle License Plate Application MV2592
- One of the following original documents as proof of ownership (we cannot accept photocopies)
- The previous owner's Wisconsin or out-of-state Certificate of Title
- An out-of-state title showing you as owner or, if the ownership document is not in your name, include all bills of sale from the last titled owner to you
- Manufacturer Certificate (or Statement) of Origin
- U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (Standard Form 97)
- Include color photographs of the engine compartment, interior and exterior showing all sides of the vehicle
- $5 plate fee, unless applying for a title only (no license plates)
- Keep a copy of the application, ownership documents, photos and payment for your records.
- Make your check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust.
- Mail the application, photographs, documents, and fees to:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Special Plates Unit
PO Box 7911
Madison, WI 53707-7911
For more information: