All you trendy folks will be glad to know that retro license plates will be returning to the roads as of January. All things retro have been trending this year, especially as people long for self-expression and nostalgia. Now, drivers in one state will be able to do both, as they will receive a yellow design that takes us back to the good old days of the 70s. Furthermore, they will be able to personalize them starting in the new year. Discover which state will be embracing this retro trend in 2026. Maybe your car will also look more groovy in the new year.
Retro license plates return to the roads
2025 has been the year where we’ve witnessed the return of all things retro. The Y2K revival made a comeback of early 2000s-inspired glamour, including low-rise jeans. The grungy 90s comeback featured a series of minimalistic baggy denim fashion and decor, whilst the 80s’ vibrant colors and shoulder pads also returned with a powerful bang. The 70s also had a significant comeback, not only in boho chic fashion.
However, the 70s’ comeback will stretch beyond fashion, returning retro license plates to the roads. That’s right, in a year driven by nostalgia and self-expression, you can now look forward to driving with a nostalgic license plate inspired by the 70s, and even personalise it to take your self-expression one step further. Unfortunately, this trendy new look for your car will only be available to drivers in one state. Find out more below.
Drivers in one state will receive a yellow design
Earlier this year, South Carolina introduced a totally new license plate design. Now, following suit is the state featured in the beloved That ’70s Show, Wisconsin. That’s right, folks. From January 2026, drivers can apply for a “retro butter-yellow” license plate for a nostalgic throwback to the 1970s. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), the cost of these new license plates is:
- A one-time $15 order fee,
- An annual $25 registration fee, and
- $15 for personalisation per year
Not too shabby. WisDOT mentioned that, over the course of three years, these fees will add over $25 million in funding to the state’s transportation fund. The money will be utilized to fund infrastructure and road upgrades statewide. Besides the new butter-yellow background, the plates will feature the state slogan ‘America’s Dairyland,’ under the numbers and letters, which can be personalised.
You have another option if retro yellow is not your style
We realise that not everyone loves to follow the mainstream trends. So, if you are not a fan of retro things, you will be pleased to know that WisDOT and Governor Tony Evers also announced that a second design will be released along with the retro butter-yellow license plates. The second option is a blackout license plate design, featuring a modern all-black background with a white border, and all-white letters and numbers.
This contemporary license plate can also be personalised for those who still value self-expression. Both modern and retro designs will allow seven spaces for personalisation. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the generic license plates will begin with:
- ZAA-1001 for the blackout plates, and
- YAA-1001 for the retro butter-yellow plates
So, regardless of whether you want to sport a sleek, contemporary blackout license plate or a groovy, retro butter-yellow license plate, be sure to order yours as soon as possible. The new plates can be ordered at most DMVs, through the DMV app, or online. Initiatives such as a new license plate design are great ways to raise funds, as well as to promote a sense of pride, as proven by the state of Wisconsin. However, drivers in this state may be saying goodbye to license plates in a shocking decision.