MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today celebrated that, beginning July 1, Gold Star family members will be able to get a personalized Gold Star Family license plate at no cost to them in honor of their loved one’s service and sacrifice. Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 50 last December to permanently waive the fee and allow Gold Star families to personalize their Gold Star specialty license plate at no cost, which will go into effect tomorrow, July 1, 2026.

“As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th, it’s especially important that we acknowledge and recognize the strength, dedication, and sacrifice of all those who’ve served, defended, and protected the rights, freedoms, and values we hold dear, most especially for the families of those who’ve paid the ultimate price,” said Gov. Evers. “This is a small but meaningful way for the state to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our military heroes and to recognize their families who miss them, love them, and mourn them every day.”
 Image of Gold Star Family license plate
Image of Gold Star Family license plate.
There are currently 483 active Gold Star license plates on Wisconsin roads, and only 296 of those active plates are personalized. Among the variety of special group license plates, Gold Star license plates are available only to the immediate family of a service member killed in the line of military duty. In addition to these plates having no annual special registration fee, the $15 annual personalization fee is now also waived.

“Wisconsin DMV offers 70 types of special license plates, eight military-related plates, and 65 decals dedicated to military service,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Providing the Gold Star Family specialty license plate is one way to recognize the contributions of families who’ve lost a loved one, but we’re pleased to be able to acknowledge them further. Waiving the personalization fee is one more way to honor their incredible sacrifice.”

The Gold Star license plates are available to order and personalize online at specialplates.wi.gov. Wisconsinites can also explore and purchase other special license plate designs, including the state’s new Blackout design and Retro butter yellow design, at most DMVs, at participating dealers and third parties who already stock Wisconsin plates, and online at wisconsindmv.gov/specialplates.
 
An online version of this release is available here.